The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. This period fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism that led to advancements in philosophy, literature, and the sciences, fundamentally reshaping society's views on governance, morality, and human nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was characterized by a shift from a reliance on faith and tradition towards reason and scientific inquiry as the foundation for knowledge.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, who influenced political thought and literature.
3. The movement laid the groundwork for modern democracy by promoting ideas of individual rights, liberty, and the social contract.
4. Literature during the Enlightenment began to reflect these ideals through a new emphasis on realism, character development, and psychological depth in narratives.
5. The impact of the Enlightenment extended beyond Europe, influencing revolutions in America and France by inspiring calls for equality and justice.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of the Enlightenment contribute to the rise of the novel as a literary genre?
  • The principles of the Enlightenment emphasized individualism and reason, which played a crucial role in shaping the rise of the novel. Novels began to explore complex characters and personal experiences, reflecting Enlightenment ideals such as personal freedom and moral dilemmas. This new focus allowed authors to delve into human psychology and societal issues, thus elevating the novel as a distinct literary form that mirrored contemporary values.
• In what ways did the Enlightenment shift literature's focus from reason to emotion?
  • While the Enlightenment initially emphasized reason and rationality, it eventually paved the way for Romanticism, which celebrated emotion and individual experience. As writers began to explore feelings more deeply in their works, they shifted from strictly rational narratives to those that embraced passion and personal struggle. This transition highlighted the tension between reason and emotion in literature, illustrating how Enlightenment ideas could evolve into more expressive forms.
• Evaluate Samuel Johnson's contributions to English literature within the context of Enlightenment thought.
  • Samuel Johnson's contributions to English literature were deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideals. His work as a lexicographer with 'A Dictionary of the English Language' exemplified the movement's commitment to reasoned understanding and clarity in communication. Additionally, Johnson's essays often engaged with moral philosophy and human behavior, reflecting Enlightenment themes while also critiquing its excesses. His ability to blend empirical observation with literary artistry made him a significant figure during this transformative period.

Related terms

Rationalism:

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

Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, championed by philosophers such as John Locke and David Hume.

Deism:

A belief system that emerged during the Enlightenment advocating for the existence of a rational creator who does not intervene in the universe, contrasting with traditional religious views.