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Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Almelhem

    (The World Bank)

  • Murat Iyigun

    (University of Colorado, Boulder & IZA)

  • Austin Kennedy

    (University of Colorado, Boulder)

  • Jared Rubin

    (Chapman University)

Abstract

Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture evolved to manifest a heightened belief in progress associated with science and industry. Our analysis yields three main fndings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the 17th century. Second, scientifc volumes became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, industrial works—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century. It was therefore the more pragmatic, industrial works which refected the cultural values cited as important for Britain’s takeof.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Almelhem & Murat Iyigun & Austin Kennedy & Jared Rubin, 2023. "Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis," Working Papers 23-13, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:23-13
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    File URL: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/393/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Enrico Spolaore & Romain Wacziarg, 2013. "How Deep Are the Roots of Economic Development?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 51(2), pages 325-369, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    language; religion; science; political economy; progressiveness; Enlightenment; Industrial Revolution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N63 - Economic History - - Manufacturing and Construction - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature

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