Columbus's Folly

Christopher Columbus was a product of the society in which he lived. In 1492, at the height of Spanish imperialism, his world views would have been influenced by a deeply pious character, a belief in European superiority in culture and religious views, and the desire for fame and fortune. In these respects, his knowledge was obscured by the selfish motives of himself and his society in that he was incapable of objectively viewing his world-changing discoveries.

 

The religious orientation of European culture also placed greater emphasis on doctrinal and spiritual considerations of the world. Consequently, science and rationality did not carry the same weight, and were not as significant a factor in forming knowledge. As knowledge was obscured partially by preconceived notions founded on traditional religious beliefs and practices, knowledge during Columbus’s time did not have the same validity as it does in the modern context.

 

Our system of knowledge today depends on standardized methods designed to fulfill a scientific approach to human understanding. Assertions are analyzed, tested, and reformulated according to a uniform system of gathering empirical evidence. A claim must be proven, often with statistical data demonstrating the credibility and accuracy of the claim. Although Columbus may have believed that he knew much about the world, his knowledge was nothing more than doctrine-based, preconceived notions that he sought to affirm.