Age of Enlightenment

The statue of The Thinker by Auguste Rodin is solid, made of bronze with a smooth surface that gives the appearance of being solid. However, it is hollow on the inside to reduce the weight and make it easier to move and transport.

1. Reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy
2. Critique of traditional institutions and practices
3. Emphasis on individual rights and freedoms
4. Importance of scientific inquiry and empirical evidence
5. Skepticism towards religious dogma and superstition
6. Support for democratic governance and social contract theory
7. Advocacy for secularism and separation of church and state
8. Promotion of education and spreading knowledge
9. Belief in progress and the perfectibility of society
10. Focus on human autonomy and the pursuit of happiness.

The concept of "power should be a check to power" reflects the Enlightenment idea of the separation of powers and the need for a system of checks and balances within a government. This principle aims to prevent any one branch or individual from becoming too powerful and abusing their authority. It is based on the belief that a balance of power leads to greater protection of individual rights and liberties.

This phrase suggests that democracy is founded on the principle of equality among citizens. It highlights the idea that in a democratic society, all individuals should have equal rights, opportunities, and voice in decision-making processes. The love for democracy is essentially a love for ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have a say in how their society is governed.

The Enlightenment encouraged colonists to question traditional authority and embrace ideas of individual rights, liberty, and equality. These ideals influenced their views on government and sparked movements for independence from British rule. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu provided intellectual justification for the colonists' desire for self-governance.

Yes, Fedor Jagor, a travelling companion of Rizal, had an influence on his ideas by exposing him to advanced scientific knowledge, including theories on race and anthropology. Jagor's discussions on imperialism and colonialism also shaped Rizal's views on the injustices faced by Filipinos under Spanish rule.

The Enlightenment promoted the use of reason and logic to challenge traditional beliefs and institutions, leading to advancements in science, philosophy, and politics. This intellectual movement played a crucial role in shaping modern ideas about human rights, democracy, and the separation of powers. These changes helped to pave the way for significant social, political, and cultural transformations across Europe and beyond.

Some famous Enlightenment thinkers include John Locke, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant. These thinkers made significant contributions to philosophy, politics, and science during the 17th and 18th centuries, shaping the intellectual landscape of their time.

In my opinion, John Locke was the most influential enlightenment thinker because of his opinions of people's freedoms and government's role in society. His take on the social-contract theory shaped our government and his ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence. He thought the government ruled by permission of the people, and if the government was intruding on our inalienable rights, (life,libery,property) then we have a right to overthrow or change the government.

The Enlightenment was important to the world because it brought about a shift in thinking from reliance on religious and traditional beliefs to emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights. This period laid the foundation for advancements in science, philosophy, and political thought that continue to influence society today. It sparked revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, that led to the spread of democratic values and the ideals of freedom and equality.

Groups threatened by the Enlightenment included absolute monarchs and established religious institutions, as the movement promoted ideas of individual rights, reason, and secularism that challenged their authority and beliefs. Additionally, aristocratic elites were threatened by the push for equality and meritocracy that emerged from Enlightenment ideas.

One major belief of Enlightenment thinkers was the idea that reason and scientific inquiry should be used to understand and improve society, rather than relying solely on traditional authorities like religion or monarchy. They emphasized the importance of individual rights, freedom, and equality for all people.

European rulers embraced Enlightenment ideas because they saw them as a way to centralize power, strengthen their authority, and modernize their governments. Additionally, these ideas promoted the belief in natural rights and the power of reason, which could be used to justify their rule and suppress opposition.

Yes, enlightenment ideas such as individual autonomy, reason, and progress continue to influence modern societies and political systems around the world. Concepts like human rights, freedom of speech, and separation of powers can be traced back to enlightenment philosophy.

Reason and natural law were two of the central ideas of the Enlightenment. Using human thought and the scientific method, the operation of the world and society could be understood and perfected. This period also emphasized deism, which was based of reason and natural law, and religious tolerance. In the area of government, the Enlightenment believed in a separation of powers and the doctrine of laissez-faire. Using these theories, the government would best be organized to ensure a maximum amount of freedom and security.

To make life better for humanity

To use reason and logic to explain how the world worked

Social media is an example of a pervasive influence in today's society, as it impacts how people communicate, form opinions, and interact with each other on a daily basis. Its widespread reach and constant presence in people's lives make it a powerful force shaping behavior and attitudes.

The American Revolution was most inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, such as individual liberty, natural rights, and the role of government to protect these rights. The revolution aimed to establish a government based on these principles, as reflected in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

John Locke would most likely have agreed with the statement that individuals have natural rights that governments should protect, such as life, liberty, and property. Locke believed in the social contract theory, where people agree to establish a government to protect their natural rights.

People should earn their own power and wealth.

Education and scientific discovery

Enlightenment and the great awakening, both are the same. When you awaken, you are enlightened, and when you are enlightened you are awakened. Who awakens? What awakens? The truth inside you. What is enlightenment? Overcoming the darkness that is within and throwing light on who we truly are, the Divine Soul, the Spirit, the Atman. Therefore, enlightenment and the great awakening are two different terms, but they mean one and the same thing.

The colonial society during the Enlightenment era experienced significant changes in governance, economy, and social structures. The spread of Enlightenment ideas led to challenges to traditional authority, the rise of democratic principles, and increased focus on individual rights and freedoms. This period also saw increased exploitation of colonial resources and populations by European powers.