The Age of Reason

Definition

The Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. This period saw a shift in thought where human reason was championed as the primary source of knowledge and truth, influencing various aspects of society, including literature, philosophy, and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Reason marked a significant shift in literary styles, moving away from ornate Baroque forms towards clearer, more logical structures.
2. Key figures such as John Locke and Isaac Newton contributed foundational ideas that influenced writers to incorporate reason and scientific principles into their works.
3. The emphasis on individualism during this era led to the rise of the novel as a literary form, allowing for deeper character exploration and personal narratives.
4. This period also saw the critique of established authority and traditions, paving the way for new political ideas about democracy and human rights.
5. Literature from the Age of Reason often reflected a belief in progress and the power of human intellect to improve society through reasoned thought.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Reason influence changes in literary styles during its time?
  • The Age of Reason brought about a move towards clarity and logic in literature, contrasting with the complexity of earlier Baroque styles. Writers began to prioritize straightforward language and rational thought, making their works more accessible to a broader audience. This change allowed literature to reflect Enlightenment ideals, focusing on individual experiences and the application of reason to societal issues.
• In what ways did Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton impact the themes found in literature during the Age of Reason?
  • John Locke's theories on empiricism encouraged writers to base their works on observation and experience, promoting a realistic portrayal of characters and society. Isaac Newton's scientific principles inspired a sense of order and rationality that influenced narrative structures. Together, these thinkers shifted literary themes towards exploration of human potential, social criticism, and the importance of knowledge derived from reason.
• Evaluate how the ideals of the Age of Reason set the stage for modern political thought and its reflection in literature.
  • The ideals of the Age of Reason laid critical groundwork for modern political thought by challenging traditional authorities and advocating for rights based on reason rather than divine right or hereditary privilege. Literature became a vehicle for these ideas, with writers using satire and social commentary to question governance and promote democratic ideals. This engagement with political themes not only shaped public opinion but also inspired revolutionary movements that sought to implement Enlightenment values into real-world governance.

Related terms

Empiricism: A philosophical theory which asserts that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, heavily promoted by thinkers like John Locke.

Rationalism:

A belief in reason as the chief source of knowledge, often contrasted with empiricism and associated with philosophers like René Descartes.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement that focused on human values and concerns, emphasizing education, classical studies, and critical thinking.