With the discrediting of teleological explanations, the viability of the concept of purpose and meaning writ large was lost. That is the origin of the scientific paradigm's assertion or implication that the universe is contingent and meaningless. When teleological explanations are disallowed by the new epistemic norms of the Scientific Revolution, purpose drains out of the universe and the Great Chain of Being is no more.
With the discrediting of teleological explanations, the viability of the concept of purpose and meaning writ large was lost. That is the origin of the scientific paradigm's assertion or implication that the universe is contingent and meaningless. When teleological explanations are disallowed by the new epistemic norms of the Scientific Revolution, purpose drains out of the universe and the Great Chain of Being is no more.