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'The role of the Church was the main reason why there was little change in care and treatment in the years c1250-c1500.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
'The role of the Church was the main reason why there was little change in care and treatment in the years c1250-c1500.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The role of the Church was the main reason why there was little change in care and treatment in the years c1250-c1500.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do you agree? Discuss the role of the Church.
Answer
The Church played a significant role in shaping medical practices during the years c1250-c1500. Its influence was largely due to its control over education and healthcare. Medical training during this period was often rooted in religious beliefs, with many physicians being part of the clergy. This integration of medical and spiritual care limited the evolution of medical knowledge, as it prioritized faith over empirical evidence.
Many physicians particularly relied on ancient texts and theories, such as those of Galen, which were supported by the Church. This acceptance of antiquated practices hindered advancements in medical care, as the Church often condemned new ideas that challenged these established teachings. For instance, the notion of illness as punishment for sin was prevalent, which discouraged the pursuit of alternative treatments or diagnostics that could have led to advancements.
Step 2
Evaluate the significance of medical training.
Answer
Medical training during this period was heavily influenced by the Church, which controlled educational institutions. Many medical texts studied were of ancient origin, and the Church was not keen on promoting new methodologies or treatments that contradicted the accepted religious doctrine. Although universities began to emerge, the curriculum was still dominated by theological perspectives. This limited the scope of training and knowledge, causing little change in care and treatment.
Moreover, medical practitioners often lacked practical training and experience, as many were taught in monasteries where they focused more on theory than practice. This lack of innovative medical training stifled growth in techniques that could improve patient care.
Step 3
Discuss the role of herbal remedies.
Answer
Despite the Church's dominance, herbal remedies maintained significance in medieval medicine. Many households relied on traditional herbal treatments for common ailments and illnesses, reflecting a community-based approach to healthcare. Local healers and wise women were often more accessible than church-run hospitals, which were generally intended for the poor or dying.
These herbal practices often went unrecorded and were passed down through generations, indicating a form of medical knowledge that existed outside of the Church's influence. Additionally, while the Church did approve some herbal remedies, it adhered to a conservative approach by integrating these practices into a framework that aligned with spiritual beliefs.
Step 4
Use of additional information.
Answer
Furthermore, events such as the Black Death in the 14th century forced a reevaluation of medical practices and the Church's role, as traditional methods of care proved ineffective in the face of rampant disease. This culminated in a gradual shift towards more pragmatic approaches in medicine by the end of the 15th century, highlighting that while the Church had a significant influence over medical care, external events contributed to a slow evolution in practices.
In conclusion, it can be argued that the Church was indeed a major reason for the stagnation in medical treatment due to its control over training and established beliefs. However, the existence of herbal remedies and shifts prompted by societal challenges illustrate that there were also avenues for change, albeit limited.