Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. This period fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism toward established norms, significantly influencing various aspects of society, including philosophy, politics, and the arts, which directly impacted architectural styles during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought, promoting ideas about individual rights and governance based on reason.
2. Architecturally, this period saw a shift from ornate styles to a preference for symmetry and proportion, reflecting Enlightenment ideals in structures.
3. Key figures of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant, challenged traditional authorities and advocated for freedom of thought.
4. The movement greatly influenced public institutions, including universities and libraries, which were seen as bastions of knowledge and enlightenment.
5. As a result of Enlightenment thinking, revolutions such as the American and French revolutions were inspired by principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence architectural styles during this time?
  • The Age of Enlightenment significantly influenced architectural styles by promoting ideals of symmetry, balance, and harmony. Architects moved away from the elaborate details of Baroque architecture to embrace Neoclassical designs that reflected the rationalist principles of the Enlightenment. This shift illustrated how architectural expression mirrored broader cultural changes focused on reason and order.
• Discuss how key Enlightenment thinkers impacted political structures in Europe and how these changes were reflected in architecture.
  • Key Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu advocated for ideas such as separation of powers and individual rights, which profoundly influenced political structures in Europe. These concepts led to the establishment of democratic frameworks that valued civic engagement and reason. Architecturally, this was expressed through public buildings designed to symbolize civic virtue and rational governance, such as neoclassical governmental institutions that embody these principles.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Age of Enlightenment on modern society, particularly regarding art and architecture.
  • The Age of Enlightenment had long-lasting impacts on modern society by establishing foundations for democratic governance, scientific inquiry, and secularism. In art and architecture, it encouraged movements that emphasized clarity, order, and reason over emotionality or religious themes. This shift can be seen in modern architectural designs that prioritize functionality alongside aesthetic appeal, ultimately shaping contemporary urban environments where rational thought is celebrated through public spaces.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical approach emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge, which was a significant aspect of Enlightenment thinking.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, often linked to the study of classical texts and the emphasis on individual agency.

Empiricism:

A theory of knowledge stating that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience, which aligned with the scientific methods promoted during the Enlightenment.