The Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of 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 shift in thinking from religious dogma to scientific reasoning and empirical evidence, influencing various fields including art, politics, and society, ultimately paving the way for modern democratic ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment promoted ideals such as liberty, progress, tolerance, and constitutional government, challenging the authority of monarchies and established religions.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Rousseau, whose works laid the groundwork for modern political thought.
3. Art during the Enlightenment shifted towards themes of reason and nature, moving away from the emotional intensity of the Baroque style to more rational and orderly representations.
4. The period also saw a rise in public education and literacy, enabling more people to engage with Enlightenment ideas and debate issues concerning governance and rights.
5. The Enlightenment directly influenced the American and French Revolutions, as its principles inspired revolutionary movements seeking to overthrow tyrannical regimes in favor of democratic governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment challenge traditional authority in art and politics?
  • The Age of Enlightenment challenged traditional authority by promoting reason over dogma. In politics, thinkers like John Locke advocated for individual rights and government by consent, questioning absolute monarchy. In art, the shift toward rationality led to a move away from Baroque extravagance towards more restrained and classical forms, emphasizing clarity and balance in artistic expression.
• Discuss how Enlightenment principles influenced the transition from Baroque to Rococo styles in art.
  • Enlightenment principles influenced the transition from Baroque to Rococo by introducing a focus on reason and nature rather than religious fervor and drama. Rococo art embraced lightness, elegance, and playful themes reflecting an appreciation for individualism and leisure. This change mirrored Enlightenment values by emphasizing human experience and emotion over the grandeur characteristic of Baroque art.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Age of Enlightenment on contemporary democratic ideals and artistic expression.
  • The Age of Enlightenment had a profound long-term impact on contemporary democratic ideals by establishing foundational concepts such as liberty, equality, and justice. These ideas fueled revolutions that reshaped governments worldwide. Artistically, the emphasis on reason led to movements like Neoclassicism, which celebrated ancient ideals of democracy and rationality. The legacy of Enlightenment thought continues to influence both political structures and artistic movements today.

Related terms

Rationalism:

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

Empiricism: A theory that states that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than from innate ideas or traditions.

Social Contract: A political theory suggesting that individuals consent to form a government to ensure their mutual protection and welfare, fundamentally changing the relationship between rulers and the ruled.