Age of Enlightenment

One of the biggest results was the movement towards secularism. As Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire began to question the authority of the Church, so too did ordinary citizens

Enlightenment, also called the Age of reason, is a time in Europe when people used logic and reasoning. This period started around 1600's when Europeans became interested in the outside world. Many new inventions were created in this time period.

The five core beliefs from those philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment were:

1.) Reason; which is to say that truth could be discerned through reason and logic.

2.) Nature; which is to say what is natural is also good and reasonable.

3.) Happiness; which is to say happiness here and now is a moral duty.

4.) Progress; which is to say humanity can and will progress.

5.) Liberty; which is to say all people were free to live their lives as they see fit from the moment they took their first breath.

The Enlightenment was a secular movement because it emphasized reason, science, and individual rights over religious dogma and divine authority. It sought to challenge traditional beliefs and promote the idea of progress through human understanding and empirical evidence rather than through religious faith.

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.

Reason and rationality were glorified during the Age of Enlightenment. Philosophers such as Descartes and Locke emphasized the importance of using logic and critical thinking to understand the world and improve society. This period marked a shift away from traditional religious and authoritarian beliefs towards an emphasis on individual autonomy and intellectual freedom.

One major concept promoted by philosophers of the Enlightenment was the idea of individual freedoms and rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and thought. They also emphasized the importance of reason, rationality, and skepticism in challenging traditional authorities and promoting progress and social change.

Henry Fielding contributed to the Enlightenment by being a prominent English novelist and playwright whose works often satirized institutions and societal norms. He used his writing to challenge authority and advocate for social reform, sharing Enlightenment ideals of reason, individual freedoms, and justice through his character portrayals and storytelling.

Powerful people can influence ideas by using their influence, resources, and platforms to promote certain ideas or perspectives. They can also use their authority to shape policies, media coverage, and public opinions. Additionally, their actions and decisions can set an example for others to follow, further reinforcing those ideas.

Government and church officials fought against Enlightenment ideas by censoring books and publications, banning certain works and ideas, and persecuting those who promoted Enlightenment ideals. They viewed these ideas as a threat to their authority and sought to maintain control over the population's beliefs and values.

Groups in society began to examine what forms government should take, rather than accept the traditional forms that existed.
The government alone had the power to pass laws and raise taxes

Fontenelle was a key figure in the Enlightenment as a writer and philosopher who popularized scientific ideas and promoted them to a wider audience. He played a significant role in advancing the idea of a scientific worldview and promoting rationalism and skepticism. His works helped spread Enlightenment ideals of reason, tolerance, and progress.

During the Enlightenment Era, aristocratic women often hosted gatherings in their salons (fancy-dancy sitting rooms in wealthy homes), particularly in France. Men and women of different social backgrounds would gather to discuss Enlightenment ideas and criticize authority, particularly the French monarchy (Louis XIV & XV). It was a centerpiece of the Enlightenment atmosphere because it embraced intelligence, science, and modern ideas instead of social titles. Some of the Enlightenment ideas discussed in salons were later used as a justification for the French Revolution. Considering that many patrons frequented them to ponder over Rousseau and John Locke's philosophies, a person might suggest that modern Western society was born in the plush salons of old.

Some of the ideas from the Enlightenment, such as individual rights, separation of powers, and the importance of reason and science, led to the development of democratic governments, the spread of education, and advancements in technology and innovation. These ideas also influenced movements for social justice and equality around the world.

The Enlightenment is also known as the Age of Reason. It was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition and authority. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke were key figures in promoting these ideas.

One major belief of the Enlightenment Period in European history was the emphasis on reason and rationality as tools for understanding the world and solving problems. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of human intellect to advance society through education, science, and debate. Additionally, many Enlightenment scholars championed ideas such as individual liberty, religious tolerance, and the separation of church and state.

It refers to a time period characterized by a series or set of breakthroughs in different areas, such as technology, philosophy, or art.

The philosophical atmosphere of the 18th century.

The Enlightenment is sometimes called the Age of Reason because it emphasized the use of reason, logic, and critical thinking as tools for understanding the world and shaping society. During this period, there was a strong focus on rationality, empirical evidence, and individual rights, leading to advancements in science, philosophy, and politics.

Scientific Reasoning

One of the leading figures of the Age of Reason was the French philosopher and writer Voltaire. Known for his advocacy of freedom of speech, religion, and separation of church and state, Voltaire's ideas greatly influenced the Enlightenment period.

the right of individuals to speak freely and not be censored

Creative thinkers often exhibit traits such as curiosity, open-mindedness, flexibility, and willingness to take risks. They tend to think outside the box, see connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and approach problems from different angles to find innovative solutions. Creative thinkers also have a strong imagination and are able to express their ideas in unique and original ways.

Enlightenment ideas influenced colonists by promoting concepts such as liberty, reason, and natural rights. These ideas inspired colonists to question traditional authority and to push for greater political and individual freedoms. The Enlightenment also played a key role in shaping the principles underlying the American Revolution and the eventual formation of the United States.

The Enlightenment, put forward by French philosophers, spread ideals of independence, democracy, self-rule. They were put in practice by the Americans revolution with the help of the French, and swung back to France afterwards, although in a more dramatic way.