Table of Contents
The Enlightenment, known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical movement. The Enlightenment brought up ideas such as reason, and liberty. The Enlightenment Philosophy was skeptical of religion. Major figures included Voltaire, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Jean – Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith, Immanuel Kant, Isaac Newton, and Thomas Jefferson. The Enlightenment caused advancement in politics, natural rights. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that took place in Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. … ‘The Enlightenment focused on the use of reason and secularism. It also led to new developments in art, philosophy, and politics”. (René Descartes)
The Enlightenment known as the age of reason was that it was a time when man began to use his reason to discover the world, casting off superstition and the fear of the Medieval world. The effort of discovering natural laws which not only governed the universe but also led to scientific, political, social advancements. Examined the rational basis of all beliefs in the process rejected the authority of church and state. Immanuel Kant expressed the Motto of the Enlightenment well — “ Aude Sapere” (Dare To Think!).
Philosophy in general developed mainly in the Enlightenment period, generally supported freedom, democracy, and reason as primary values of society. In order to allow mankind to achieve progress and perfection. The period was marked by a further decline in the influence of the church, governmental consolidation and greater rights for the common people. Politically, it was a time of revolutions and turmoil and the overturning of established traditions. (The basics of Philosophy, 2008). Major philosophical movements of the period include rationalism. It also increased the focus on Political philosophy. There was more emphasis on Scientific methods, the secularization of learning, religious tolerance, universal education, individual liberty, reason, progress, and separation of church and state.
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Reason
Enlightenment philosophers believed that rational thought could lead to human improvement. Teach people responsibility, equalization of human society, because their behavior would be guided by reason. Enlightenment intellectuals thought that all human endeavors should aim to increase knowledge and reason rather than elicit emotional responses. Said Abernethy
Skepticism
Enlightenment thinkers wanted proof that something was true. They tested popular notions with Scientifically controlled experiments, personal experience, thought Skepticism of one’s own senses was another factor in Enlightenment thought and causes complicated philosophical conundrums, according to the Encyclopedia of philosophy.
Religious Tolerance
Skeptical of religious institutions, thinkers believed that people should worship as they wished. “ the intellectuals of the Enlightenment vigorously to restrict the political power of organized religion in an effort to curtail the outbreak of intolerant religious wars,” said Abernethy.
Liberty
It’s related to the movement’s emphasis on personal liberty. Abernethy explained: ‘Individuals had rights, all men were equal and legitimate political power is based on the consent of the people and is obligated to be representative of the people’s will.’
Progress
The centuries before the Enlightenment was characterized by rapid changes, from the discoveries of the Scientific Revolution to the exploration of the world and the advancement in art techniques during the renaissance. Largely because of this, thinkers believed that human condition.
Personality
John Locke (1632 – 1704) was an English philosopher of the Age of Reason and early Age of Enlightenment. His ideas had Huge influence on the development of Political Philosophy, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential early Enlightenment thinkers. (philosophybasics, 2008).
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) was a French philosopher and writer of the Age of Enlightenment.He is considered to have invented modern autobiography and his novel ‘Julie, ou la nouvelle Héloïse’ was one of the best-selling fictional works of the 18th Century (and was important to the development of Romanticism). He also made important contributions to music, both as a theorist and as a composer. (philosophybasics, 2008). He also was concernd about freedom of thought and expression, he supported religious tolerance he thought that religious conflict is the main source of evil. (DOC D). General will, is the aim of common good. In social contract (1762) Rousseau argues that freedom and authority are contradictory. Since actual rules are founded on the general will of the citizens. He supported absolute democracy with equality and the rights of human (DOC E).
Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) Immanuel Kant was an influential German philosopher whose ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ sought to unite reason with experience and move philosophy on from the debate between rationalists and empiricists. Kant’s philosophy was influential on future German idealists and philosophers, such as Shelling and Schopenhauer. (biographyonline, 2018)
Voltaire (1694 – 1778) – French philosopher and critic. Best known for his work Candide (1762) which epitomises his satire and criticism of social convention. Voltaire was instrumental in promoting Republican ideas due to his criticism of the absolute monarchy of France. (biographyonline, 2018)
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) One of the American Founding Fathers of the United States. He was an author, politician, diplomat, scientist and statesman. He was a key figure in the American Enlightenment, which saw major breakthroughs in science and ideas of political republicanism. Franklin was an early supporter of colonial unity and the United States. (biographyonline, 2018)
Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish social philosopher and a pioneer of classical economics. He is best known for his work ‘The Wealth of Nations‘ which laid down a framework for the basis of classical free-market economics. Smith is often referred to as the ‘Father of Economics.’ Smith’s work makes a strong case for free market economics, but he was also aware of situations where the free market could be against the public interest, for example monopolies.(biographyonline, 2018)
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American Founding Father and the principal author of The Declaration of Independence (1776) In this declaration, Jefferson laid out the fundamental principles of America, calling for equality and liberty. He also advocated ending slavery and promoting religious tolerance. (biographyonline, 2018).
