Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. This period saw a surge in scientific discoveries and philosophical ideas that challenged established norms, paving the way for modern science and political thought. The principles that emerged during this era greatly influenced advancements in mathematics, physics, and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment is often linked to significant figures such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, who advocated for reason and individual rights.
2. During this period, mathematical advancements such as calculus were developed independently by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
3. The Enlightenment promoted the idea that laws of nature could be discovered through observation and reasoning, leading to the formulation of Newton's laws.
4. The movement laid the groundwork for modern democracy by challenging absolute monarchy and promoting ideas of liberty and social contract theory.
5. The influence of the Enlightenment extended beyond Europe, impacting political revolutions in America and France and inspiring global movements toward freedom and equality.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence scientific thought, particularly in the development of calculus and mathematical physics?
  • The Age of Enlightenment fostered an environment where rational thinking and empirical observation were paramount. This shift allowed for significant advancements in scientific thought, exemplified by the development of calculus. Both Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz contributed to this area during this time, as they utilized mathematical frameworks to describe natural phenomena, marking a major evolution in physics.
• Discuss how the principles of the Age of Enlightenment challenge traditional views on authority and governance, specifically relating to Newton's laws.
  • The principles established during the Age of Enlightenment questioned traditional views on authority by advocating for reason over blind obedience to monarchies. Newton's laws, which provided a framework for understanding physical reality through logical reasoning, served as a metaphor for how societies could also be governed. Instead of relying on inherited power or divine right, thinkers proposed that governments should be based on rational laws reflective of natural order.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Age of Enlightenment on modern society, especially regarding science and democratic ideals.
  • The long-term effects of the Age of Enlightenment on modern society are profound. It fundamentally shifted how knowledge is perceived—prioritizing reason and empirical evidence has led to remarkable advances in science and technology. Additionally, the democratic ideals that emerged during this period continue to shape political structures worldwide. The Enlightenment's advocacy for individual rights remains a cornerstone of contemporary discussions about governance and human rights.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, often associated with thinkers like René Descartes.

Empiricism:

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, which played a critical role in the development of the scientific method.

Natural Law: A philosophy asserting that certain rights or values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason.