Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition. This era fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism towards established norms, encouraging thinkers to challenge authority and seek knowledge through empirical evidence and rational thought. It laid the groundwork for modern philosophy, political theory, and scientific exploration, significantly impacting the roles of figures like Galileo, Newton, and the Royal Society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment was marked by significant advancements in science and philosophy, with figures like Galileo advocating for empirical observation and Newton developing laws of motion and gravity.
2. The Royal Society, founded in 1660, became a key institution for promoting scientific research and collaboration among Enlightenment thinkers, embodying the principles of inquiry and evidence-based knowledge.
3. This era challenged traditional beliefs held by the Church and monarchies, leading to greater emphasis on secular governance and individual rights, which influenced revolutionary movements across Europe and America.
4. Key Enlightenment works included John Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government,' advocating for natural rights, and Voltaire's writings that promoted freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
5. The Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern democracy and human rights, impacting subsequent revolutions such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did the ideas presented by key figures during the Age of Enlightenment influence scientific thought?
  • Key figures like Galileo and Newton introduced ideas that fundamentally changed scientific thought by promoting observation and experimentation. Galileo's work on motion challenged Aristotle's long-held views, while Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation provided a framework for understanding physical phenomena. Their emphasis on empirical evidence over tradition helped establish the scientific method as a critical approach to inquiry during the Enlightenment.
• In what ways did the Royal Society contribute to the spread of Enlightenment ideas across Europe?
  • The Royal Society played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas by serving as a forum for scientists to share research and collaborate on experiments. It published findings in 'Philosophical Transactions,' which allowed knowledge to circulate widely among scholars. This not only enhanced communication between intellectuals but also legitimized scientific inquiry as a valued pursuit, contributing to the overall climate of curiosity that characterized the Age of Enlightenment.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Age of Enlightenment on contemporary society and its connection to modern governance.
  • The Age of Enlightenment had profound long-term impacts on contemporary society by establishing principles of reason, individual rights, and secular governance. The emphasis on rational thought laid the groundwork for modern democratic ideals, influencing constitutions around the world. Additionally, Enlightenment ideas about human rights inspired movements for social justice and equality, showcasing a lasting legacy that continues to shape discussions around governance, ethics, and civil liberties today.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, suggesting that reality can be understood through logical deduction.

Empiricism: A theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience, forming a basis for scientific inquiry during the Enlightenment.

Scientific Method: A systematic approach to research and experimentation that emphasizes observation, hypothesis formation, testing, and analysis, rooted in the principles established by Enlightenment thinkers.