Rene Descartes (1596 - 1650) was a French scientist who had philosophies of human reason and rationality which may be seen as 'enlightened'. Isaac Newtons paper 'Principia' (1687) which put forth a more mechanical rational universal model had impact in France.
Generally Voltaire ( 1694 - 1778) can be seen as the embodiment of French 'enlightenment' ideas.
Enlightenment thinkers
The Enlightenment influenced revolutions in countries such as the United States, France, and Haiti. In the United States, Enlightenment ideas of liberty and individual rights shaped the American Revolution. In France, Enlightenment philosophy contributed to the French Revolution, calling for political and social reforms. In Haiti, Enlightenment ideas of equality and freedom inspired the Haitian Revolution against colonial rule.
Enlightenment thinkers
The Enlightenment began in Europe, with France being one of the key countries where ideas and philosophies of the Enlightenment flourished. Other important countries where the Enlightenment had an impact include England, Scotland, and Germany.
what were economic ideas of the enlightenment
Ideas from the Enlightenment thinkers ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Enlightenment ideas emphasized principles such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, which influenced the French population to question the authority of the monarchy and aristocracy. Enlightenment philosophers criticized the existing power structures and fueled a desire for political and social change, ultimately contributing to the revolutionary mood in France that led to the French Revolution in 1789.
France's participation in the American Revolution provided a practical demonstration of Enlightenment principles, such as liberty, equality, and the social contract, in action. By supporting the American colonists' struggle for independence, French intellectuals and political leaders could showcase the viability of Enlightenment ideas in governance, inspiring similar movements in France and across Europe. The alliance also facilitated the exchange of revolutionary ideas and philosophies between the two nations, further embedding Enlightenment thought in the political landscape of the time. Ultimately, this involvement contributed to the rise of revolutionary sentiments in France, culminating in the French Revolution.
the enlightenment promoted new ideas of art, religion, and philosophy
One Enlightenment idea that did not promote revolution in France was the belief in absolute monarchy, which advocated for the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler without checks and balances. This idea clashed with other Enlightenment principles such as individual rights and representative government, leading to discontent and ultimately revolution in France.
The Third Estate, which consisted of commoners and the majority of the population in France, was generally receptive to Enlightenment ideas that promoted equality, liberty, and fraternity. They saw these ideas as a means to challenge the unequal social and political structures of the time. The Enlightenment encouraged the Third Estate to question traditional authority and demand greater rights and representation.
During the Age of Enlightenment, the city of Paris was one of the key centers of intellectual and cultural activity. The salons, cafes, and universities in Paris played a significant role in shaping the ideas and philosophies of the Enlightenment thinkers.