On Human Flight: The Enlightenment, the Middle Class, and the Rise of Manned Flight (original) (raw)

AI-generated Abstract

The paper explores the historical evolution of human flight, focusing on the interplay of the Enlightenment, the emerging middle class, and the sociopolitical challenges faced by early natural philosophers. It discusses key figures such as Francisco Lana and Bortholomy de Guzmao, highlighting their contributions to flight concepts despite the significant opposition from religious institutions. The examination reveals human flight as a reflection of the broader journey of natural philosophy and its integration into society, ultimately emphasizing the cultural and intellectual conditions that fostered its development.