The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period fostered the belief in human progress through rational thought and scientific inquiry, leading to significant developments in politics, ethics, and the arts. It laid the groundwork for modern democracy and inspired a shift toward valuing personal autonomy and self-expression, impacting both self-reliance and the exploration of darker themes in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment challenged traditional institutions and emphasized the power of human reason to improve society and individual lives.
2. Key figures such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant were instrumental in shaping Enlightenment thought, advocating for individual rights and freedoms.
3. This movement directly influenced political revolutions, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, promoting ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
4. Literature during the Enlightenment often reflected themes of reason versus emotion, paving the way for romanticism and the exploration of individuality.
5. The Enlightenment also prompted a critical examination of existing social norms and beliefs, inspiring movements for social reform and increased awareness of personal rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment promote the idea of self-reliance and individualism?
  • The Enlightenment encouraged people to think independently and rely on their own reasoning rather than conforming to established authorities. Thinkers like John Locke emphasized natural rights and personal freedom, which inspired individuals to pursue their own paths. This shift towards valuing personal autonomy not only empowered individuals but also led to a broader societal recognition of self-worth, encouraging people to challenge traditional constraints.
• In what ways did Enlightenment ideas influence Gothic poetry and its themes?
  • Enlightenment ideas significantly influenced Gothic poetry by creating a contrast between reasoned thought and emotional depth. While the Enlightenment focused on rationality, Gothic poetry embraced heightened emotions, darkness, and the sublime. This tension between reason and emotion allowed poets to explore themes of individual experience, the unconscious mind, and existential dread, showcasing a more complex understanding of human nature that emerged during this time.
• Evaluate how the principles of the Enlightenment set the stage for future societal changes regarding individual rights and governance.
  • The principles of the Enlightenment laid a foundation for future societal changes by promoting ideas like equality, freedom, and democracy. These concepts inspired revolutionary movements that sought to dismantle oppressive regimes and establish systems based on consent of the governed. As a result, various social reforms emerged in subsequent centuries, leading to greater emphasis on civil rights, human dignity, and the protection of individual freedoms within democratic frameworks.

Related terms

Rationalism:

The belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that it can lead to understanding the world and making informed decisions.

Empiricism:

The philosophical stance that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and evidence gathered through observation.

Social Contract: A theory that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their rights.