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 era fostered a belief in progress through education and scientific inquiry, which laid the groundwork for modern Western thought and profoundly influenced literature, politics, and social reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment emphasized the importance of reason as a means to challenge traditional authority, paving the way for democratic ideas and modern government.
2. Prominent figures of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant, contributed significantly to literature and philosophy, promoting ideals of liberty and equality.
3. This period saw a rise in the publication of newspapers and pamphlets, enabling wider dissemination of ideas and fostering public debate on social issues.
4. The Enlightenment's impact extended to the emergence of new literary forms, including the novel, where realism began to take shape as writers like Daniel Defoe depicted everyday life with authenticity.
5. The movement laid a foundation for later revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions, as Enlightenment ideas inspired demands for political rights and social reform.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the emergence of realism in literature?
  • The Enlightenment encouraged writers to focus on reason and individual experiences, leading to a more realistic portrayal of life in literature. Authors began to depict ordinary people and everyday situations with accuracy, moving away from the fantastical elements of earlier works. This shift is evident in Daniel Defoe's novels, which emphasize character development and realistic settings, reflecting the broader societal changes spurred by Enlightenment thinking.
• In what ways did key Enlightenment thinkers contribute to changing perceptions about authority in society?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire challenged traditional notions of authority by advocating for individual rights and freedoms. Their writings questioned monarchies and promoted ideas about government based on consent and rationality. This shift in thought not only transformed political landscapes but also influenced literature by encouraging authors to explore themes of personal liberty and social critique in their works.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Enlightenment on Western literature and political thought.
  • The long-term effects of the Enlightenment on Western literature include the establishment of realism as a dominant genre that prioritizes authentic representation of human experience. Politically, it fostered concepts of democracy, human rights, and individualism that continue to shape contemporary governance. The interplay between literature and political thought during this period laid the groundwork for modern civil society, where writers engage with social issues through their works, influencing public opinion and policy.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical stance asserting that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge, significantly impacting Enlightenment thinkers.

Empiricism:

The theory that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, which influenced the scientific method and Enlightenment philosophy.

Social Contract: A political theory that addresses the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individual, popularized by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.