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Age of Enlightenment

Also known as the Age of Reason, this period of Western Philosophy lasted from the mid 17th Century until the 18th Century and brought about concepts and ideas that govern today's society.

1,864 Questions

How did the enlightenment period scholars contribute to the idea of the government?

Enlightenment period scholars, such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, significantly shaped modern political thought by promoting ideas of individual rights, separation of powers, and the social contract. Locke's theory of natural rights emphasized that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, while Montesquieu advocated for the division of government into branches to prevent tyranny. Rousseau introduced the concept of popular sovereignty, arguing that legitimate political authority arises from the collective will of the people. These ideas collectively laid the groundwork for democratic governance and inspired revolutions around the world.

Was the enlightenment thinker who had the idea of republican government?

I believe Machiavelli is the answer. Though the term is much older and dates to Roman and Greek thinkers it began it's more current meaning from the writings of Machiavelli who used it to describe the states of Northern Italy, which were not monarchies.

What is the central belief of the scientific revolution and the enlightenment?

For the scientific revolution the central belief is that everything can be explained through science and that they need not rely on religion for answers. The Enlightenment was more focused on the ideals that everyone was created equal, the nobleman as well as the peasant.

Which sources of knowledge were most central to the scientific revolution?

At the time of the scientific revolution, sources of knowledge dealing primarily with mathematics and astronomy were most often referred to. The scientific revolution began in the mid-1500s.

How did enlightenment start revolutions?

The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, individual rights, and skepticism of authority, inspired revolutionary ideas that challenged existing political and social structures. Thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for concepts such as liberty, equality, and the social contract, which motivated people to question monarchies and oppressive regimes. This ideological shift laid the groundwork for significant revolutions, such as the American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789, as people sought to establish governments based on Enlightenment principles. Ultimately, the Enlightenment fostered a belief in the possibility of progress and change, fueling movements for democracy and social reform.

Where can enlightenment ideas be seen in your government today?

In America, John Locke's idea of "Life, Liberty and Property" can be seen in the Constitution.

It was changed to "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" by Thomas Jefferson because at that time, the colonists were taking the property away from the natives.

What conditions allowed many rulers in Europe to establish absolute power?

chy was a natural progression from the long held European belief in the Divine Right of Kings. Many European monarchs claimed this absolute power, denying citizens any rights to limit the range of their power. By the 19th century, however, only Russia recognized The Divine Right of Kings.

Was Michelangelo in the enlightenment period?

Sadly, no. He lived throughout the Renaissance period, though.

How has the ideas of the enlightenment influence America?

It influence America to have their own kind of government by using the influential Enlightenment thinker's thoughts. For example, Montesquieu created the checks and balances that the Americans are using even until today! Hope this helps.

Why would rulers feel ambivalent about the enlightenment?

Rulers would feel ambivalent about the Enlightenment because it promoted ideas of freedom, individual rights, and limited government, which could challenge their absolute power and authority. On the other hand, the Enlightenment also produced ideas that could benefit rulers, such as promoting reason, education, and efficiency in government.

What were the negative aspects of the Enlightenment?

Some of the negative aspects of the Enlightenment included the reinforcement of colonialism and imperialism through the belief in the superiority of Western civilization, the exclusion of marginalized groups such as women and minorities from participating fully in the movement, and the development of scientific racism and eugenics based on flawed beliefs about hierarchy and human diversity.

What did Rene desscates do to contribute to the enlightenment?

René Descartes contributed to the Enlightenment by advocating for reason and rationalism as a means of understanding the world. His famous quote "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am") emphasized the importance of individual thought and skepticism towards traditional beliefs. Descartes' works laid the foundation for modern philosophy and science, influencing many Enlightenment thinkers.

What was the promise of the enlightenment?

The promise of the Enlightenment was to promote reason, science, individualism, and progress as a means to improve society. It aimed to challenge traditional authority, encourage freedom of thought and expression, and promote equality and human rights.

What did people begin to think would be possible through the use of reason during the enlightenment?

During the Enlightenment, people began to believe that reason could lead to progress in areas such as science, politics, and society. They believed that through rational thought and empirical observation, they could uncover new knowledge, challenge traditional beliefs, and improve the human condition.

Artists from the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment such as Chardin rejected which movement?

Artists such as Chardin would have rejected the entire Rococo period of painting. They would have felt like they were above the gaudy displays and the pompous attitude depicted in the art of the period.

How did the enlightenment revolution relate to the scientific revolution?

the Enlightenment started about 1600 with the Scientific Revolution (SR) of Galileo,

Descartes and Newton.

SR's message of relativity, subjectivity and rationality clearly extended beyond

the scientific into the human.

Philosophers did not grasp a button of this message and deformed it,

paving the way to the anti-Enlightenment reaction of "idealist" irrational

balderdash culminating in the fatuous Great German Idealism, which in turn

lead to Nazism and Gulag.

It's by far too short a description of an enormous phenomenon and, if requested,

I can elaborate.