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

Ali Almelhem (), Murat Iyigun, Austin Kennedy () and Jared Rubin
Additional contact information
Ali Almelhem: World Bank
Austin Kennedy: University of Colorado, Boulder

No 16674, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

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 findings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the 17th century. Second, scientific 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 reflected the cultural values cited as important for Britain's takeoff.

Keywords: language; religion; science; political economy; progressiveness; Enlightenment; industrial revolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C81 C88 N33 N63 O14 Z11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 63 pages
Date: 2023-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cul, nep-gro, nep-his and nep-hpe
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Working Paper: Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis (2023)
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