Age of Enlightenment

idea of the innate goodness of humanity.

The intellectual elite, including philosophers, scientists, and writers, embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment. They promoted reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. These ideals challenged traditional authority and paved the way for progress and social change.

John Locke (social contract opposed to monarchy and supported equality/natural rights), Thomas Hobbes (social contract in favor of monarchy to prevent anarchy), Voltaire (stirred pot w/ satire, spread Newton's ideas), Montesquieu (Suggested 3 branch separation of powers), Spinoza (biblical criticism/embrace science), Rousseau (social contract that put society over individual), Adam Smith (economist that opposed mercantilism, founder of laissez-faire economics). Absolute Enlightenment: Catherine II (The Great) of Russia (Tried to enact major reforms to aid all classes, but still protected nobles, enacted censorship), Joseph II of Austria (put smack down on Church/clergy, allowed more religious freedom, abolished serfdom).

Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712-1786) made significant changes based on Enlightenment ideas, such as promoting religious tolerance, fostering education and improving infrastructure. He implemented reforms to modernize Prussia and increase its power and influence in Europe.

Salons were absolutely crucial in spreading and popularizing the advancements and ideas of the Enlightenment. Wealthy women would sponser these gatherings so great thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes could spread their political philosophy. Scientists could present their findings and writers could spread their words.

The least characteristic of the Enlightenment is likely the belief in traditional religious authority or divine right. Enlightenment thinkers tended to prioritize reason, individualism, and skepticism of established institutions over blindly accepting religious dogma or monarchial rule.

The Enlightenment period emphasized reason, science, and individualism, which influenced classical theories by promoting the use of logic, empirical evidence, and rational thought in developing and refining theoretical frameworks. This led to a shift towards more systematic and analytical approaches in various fields of study, including philosophy, politics, and economics.

European leaders embraced Enlightenment ideas because they saw the potential for social progress, economic development, and political reform. These ideas encouraged reason, tolerance, and individual rights, which appealed to leaders seeking to modernize their societies and consolidate their power. Embracing Enlightenment ideals also helped to legitimize their rule by aligning themselves with the intellectual currents of the time.

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment ideals. It focused on emotion, intuition, and nature, often emphasizing the individual's experience and imagination.

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. It promoted skepticism towards tradition and authority, paving the way for advances in science, philosophy, and politics.

Gutenbergs invention of moving type, (remember the Chinese had already invented the printing press) the novel, salons, and pamphlets. Sir Frances Bacon also popularized the new ideas whenever he wrote about them.

The most significant legacy of the Enlightenment was the concept of individual freedoms and liberty for people. It lead to the rise of democracy and the fall of autocracy in the Western world.

During the Enlightenment period, significant discoveries were made across various fields, including science, mathematics, philosophy, and social sciences. Some notable discoveries include Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation, the invention of the steam engine, the concept of human rights and social contracts by philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and advancements in medical knowledge and vaccination. These discoveries helped shape modern understandings of the natural world, society, and individual rights.

Maverick, freethinker, nonconformist, individualist.

The sculpture "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin is meant to symbolize the process of deep contemplation and intellectual reflection. The figure is shown sitting and pondering, with his hand supporting his chin as he engages in introspection and critical thinking. It is often interpreted as a representation of the power and complexity of human thought.

Thomas Hobbes stood out from other Enlightenment thinkers due to his pessimistic view of human nature, advocating for strong central authority to prevent chaos and ensure social order. Unlike his contemporaries who believed in the innate goodness of humans, Hobbes argued that people were inherently self-serving and driven by fear and desire. His work laid the foundation for modern political theory and social contract philosophy.

Enlightenment ideas spread to the American colonies, influencing the development of the United States. They also inspired reform movements in Latin America, particularly during its struggles for independence from colonial rule. Additionally, Enlightenment principles were embraced by some leaders in India, Japan, and the Ottoman Empire, leading to various social and political reforms.

The French thinker who developed the approach of structuralism was Claude Lévi-Strauss. He emphasized the underlying structures that shape human culture and society, focusing on patterns and relationships rather than individual elements. Lévi-Strauss's theories had a significant influence on fields such as anthropology, linguistics, and philosophy.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that human beings are naturally good but are corrupted by society and its institutions. He argued that society, with its inequalities and artificial constructs, leads to moral corruption and loss of freedom.

you gotta say what is in the box, if you want an answer

Napoleon Bonaparte sought truly radical changes based on Enlightenment ideas, such as ending feudalism, promoting religious tolerance, and creating a more merit-based society. He implemented significant legal and administrative reforms throughout the territories he conquered, embodying the spirit of enlightened despotism.

1. The Enlightenment promoted ideas such as reason, science, and progress, leading to advancements in fields such as philosophy, politics, and technology.
2. It challenged traditional authority, sparking movements for political and social change, such as democracy and human rights.
3. The Enlightenment also emphasized individual rights and freedoms, contributing to the development of modern civil liberties and the concept of equality before the law.

John Locke, a 17th-century English philosopher, is credited with promoting the ideas of life, liberty, and property in his works, particularly in his Second Treatise of Government. Locke argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property that should be protected by the government.

The Age of Enlightenment occurred primarily in the 18th century, starting around the 1680s and lasting until the late 18th century. This period was characterized by a focus on reason, science, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

The scientific roots of the Enlightenment can be traced to the work of thinkers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, who challenged traditional views. Religious roots can be seen in the questioning of established religious authority and the rise of Deism. Philosophically, Enlightenment thinkers drew on ideas from Descartes, Locke, and Spinoza, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional beliefs.