The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period marked a significant shift in thought, where ideas about human rights, governance, and knowledge began to be rooted in empirical evidence and rational discourse rather than religious or superstitious beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles, promoting ideas such as liberty, equality, and the separation of church and state.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment include philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each contributing uniquely to discussions about governance and human rights.
3. The movement influenced a wide range of fields including politics, science, and education, encouraging critical thinking and questioning established norms.
4. Enlightenment thinkers challenged the divine right of kings, advocating for more representative forms of government based on popular sovereignty.
5. The legacy of the Enlightenment continues to shape contemporary discussions on civil rights and the role of reason in public discourse.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the use of metaphysical conceits in literature during this period?
  • The Enlightenment encouraged writers to embrace reason and logic in their work. This shift led to the use of metaphysical conceits as a way to explore complex ideas through imaginative comparisons. By combining intellect with creativity, poets utilized metaphysical conceits to engage readers in philosophical discussions about existence, love, and humanity, aligning literary expression with Enlightenment ideals.
• In what ways did the Enlightenment inspire adaptations of Roman poetry in English literature?
  • The Enlightenment's focus on classical learning revived interest in ancient Roman literature. English writers sought to adapt Roman poetry by incorporating its themes of rationality and human experience into their own works. This resulted in adaptations that not only mirrored the stylistic elements of Roman poetry but also emphasized Enlightenment principles such as individuality and empirical observation.
• Evaluate how the core principles of the Enlightenment have shaped modern interpretations of metaphysical conceits and Roman poetry.
  • Modern interpretations of metaphysical conceits and Roman poetry reflect the enduring influence of Enlightenment principles such as reason and individuality. As scholars analyze these literary forms today, they consider how the intellectual rigor promoted by the Enlightenment encourages a deeper understanding of complex emotional states and human connections depicted through metaphors. This approach not only enhances appreciation for these literary techniques but also fosters a critical examination of how historical context shapes artistic expression.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that truth can be discovered through logical reasoning.

Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, emphasizing observation and experimentation.

Social Contract: A political theory that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain obligations in exchange for protection and order.