The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It laid the groundwork for modern thought, advocating for scientific inquiry and the belief in human progress, which greatly influenced the cultural shifts seen in neoclassicism and romanticism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment is often referred to as the Age of Reason, marking a significant shift towards valuing logic and evidence over superstition and tradition.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment include philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who promoted ideas about government, personal freedom, and social justice.
3. The movement inspired a wave of artistic expression that characterized neoclassicism, favoring order and clarity, while romanticism later emerged as a response that embraced emotion and individual experience.
4. Enlightenment thinkers influenced revolutions around the world, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, advocating for democracy and human rights.
5. The impact of the Enlightenment continues to resonate today, shaping modern concepts of democracy, civil rights, and secularism in governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence artistic movements such as neoclassicism and romanticism?
  • The Enlightenment profoundly influenced artistic movements by promoting values like reason, order, and clarity that were central to neoclassicism. Artists sought to emulate classical ideals of beauty and rationality in their works. In contrast, romanticism arose partly as a reaction to Enlightenment principles, emphasizing emotion, individual experience, and nature's power over strict rationality.
• Discuss how Enlightenment philosophies contributed to changes in political thought during the 18th century.
  • Enlightenment philosophies introduced concepts like individual rights, democracy, and the social contract that challenged absolute monarchy. Thinkers such as John Locke argued for government by consent and protection of natural rights. This shift in political thought led to significant political revolutions in the late 18th century, particularly in America and France, where ideas about liberty and equality took hold.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Enlightenment on contemporary society and culture.
  • The long-term effects of the Enlightenment are seen in today's emphasis on rational thought, scientific inquiry, and human rights. It laid the foundations for democratic governance and the belief in individual freedoms that are crucial in modern societies. Additionally, it fostered a culture of skepticism towards traditional authority and encouraged ongoing debates about ethics, governance, and personal liberties.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A belief system that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, often associated with philosophers like René Descartes.

Empiricism:

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, heavily influencing scientific methods during the Enlightenment.

Social Contract: A political theory suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form an organized society and accept certain obligations in exchange for protection of their rights.