(RVS) The Enlightenment Lesson

The Enlightenment Lesson

The aftermath of the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Age of Exploration was a new movement, the Enlightenment, which centered in France. This period, also known as the Age of Reason, heavily influenced Europe and the rest of the world both intellectually as well as philosophically. Thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire and many others will enter the picture and continue scientific research and apply scientific methods to the study of human society. They believed that rational laws could describe both physical and social behavior. New schools of thought emerged in criminology and political science. Adam Smith maintained that governments should stand back and let individual effort and market forces operate for economic advance. As these ideas spread, they led to numerous changes to societies such as reexamination of religion in public life, emphasized the importance of reason, and led to the development of new political ideas about the individual, natural rights and the social contract. More generally, the Enlightenment produced a basic set of principles concerning human affairs: humans are naturally good, reason was the key to truth, intolerant or blind religion was wrong. If people were free, progress was likely. A few Enlightenment thinkers argued for more specific goals, for economic equality and the abolition of private property and for women's rights. There were other important currents of thought. Methodism demonstrated the continuing power of spiritual faith. New ideas in all fields spread through reading clubs and coffeehouses. Attitudes toward children changed to favor less harsh discipline, a sign of a general new affection between family members.

 

 

 

Impact of the Enlightenment

As Enlightenment ideals spread, many started to question established traditions in all areas of life. This doubt and distrust in established traditions often then led to revolutions and rebellions against existing governments as Enlightenment ideals were embraced thus influencing governments that were more conscientious of its citizens and their rights. Nationalism also became a major force, joining with Enlightenment ideals, and will help to shape the historical development of states and empires all over the world. Socially, the Enlightenment also was impactful. Various reform movements were greatly impacted by the ideals of the Enlightenment and thus helped to expand the rights of the people in society through expanded suffrage, abolition of slavery, and the end of slavery as well as the push for women's suffrage and the challenging of political and gender hierarchies due to emergent feminism.          

 

Please watch the video in the sidebar for an explanation on the Enlightenment.

 

 

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