The Era of Enlightenment - 1074 Words

The Enlightenment was an era of major social and political change in 18th century Europe. The Enlightenment was centered in France, which at the time was a dominant force in Europe ruled by an oppressive government. During this era, many intellectuals began to question some of the norms and customs of European society, such as monarchy and religious discrimination. These intellectuals helped spread new ideas about human rights and democracy, which helped inspire the revolutions that followed. As stated by Immanuel Kant in his essay, What is Enlightenment?, enlightenment is the realization of people to think for themselves. He believed that most people were too afraid and too lazy to use their own judgments, and instead relied on the teachings of their superiors. During the time period surrounding the enlightenment, the overwhelming influence that monarchs and the church upon the citizens of Europe shaped their lives. At the time, people perceived free thinking to be dangerous. Kant believed the lack of freedom given to citizens of European society to be an obstacle to enlightenment. In his essay, Kant states that, â€Å"After the guardians have first made their domestic cattle dumb and have made sure that these placid creatures will not dare take a single step without the harness of the cart to which they are tethered, the guardians then show them the danger which threatens if they try to go alone†. Essentially, he is comparing the relationship between the elite andShow MoreRelatedThe Contribution Of The Enlightenment Era1725 Words   |  7 PagesThe Enlightenment era was a significant time period in which many advancements were made in the understanding of science and philosophy. Through science and philosophy the idea of human rights was first introduced. Philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke wrote articles regarding the role of the individual and the role the individual plays in society. They elaborated on how governments are sup posed to respect and honor the inalienable human rights attained during birth. The ideas that wereRead MoreThe Theories And Beliefs Of The Enlightenment Era1168 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent theories and beliefs of philosophers contributed to our current understanding of the world. During the different eras philosophical beliefs influenced events and documents of the time. The Enlightenment Era, often called the Age of Reason, brought about many astonishing works deliberating the nature of human beings. As times progressed to the age of Enlightenment the different ideas surfaced changing the way humans thought of themselves. Philosophers of the time believed in the essentialRead MoreThe Romantic Era Of The Age Of Enlightenment890 Words   |  4 PagesThe Romantic Era was a literary movement that occurred in the late 18th century and the early 19th century. During this movement, artists and authors alike rebelled against the established order and classism of the time, and the va lues once believed in during the Age of Enlightenment (The Romantic Era ). While the people of the Age of Enlightenment valued reason, and focused on the new and original (The Enlightenment), the people of the Romantic Era focused on the emotions of the individual, natureRead MoreThe Candide : An Era Of Enlightenment Philosopher Essay1355 Words   |  6 PagesAlexander Luna English 5 M/W I. Sperry October 1, 2014 Word Count: Franà §ois-Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire after his writings exiled him from france, was an Era of Enlightenment philosopher that focused on social oppression, Government corruption, and fanaticism; i.e, optimistic philosophy and religion. Voltaire s writing style was indignantly satirical to the late middle ages system, but despite exile from France because of his writing, he became popular among the masses for his philosophyRead MoreThe Enlightenment Era Of 1620 And 1789910 Words   |  4 Pages Enlightenment Era of 1620 and 1789 The European politics, communication, science and philosophy were radically reoriented between 1685 and 1815, during a time that was referred to as the Age of Reason, or in other words, the Enlightenment Era. The European thinkers from Britain, France and throughout Europe started questioning the traditional authority and developed the idea that humanity could be made better through rational change. As a result of the Enlightenment, there was production of numerousRead MoreThe Great Minds Of The Enlightenment Era1042 Words   |  5 Pages Atifete Jahjaga, the fourth President of Kosovo states, â€Å"When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.† At the beginning of the Enlightenment the free market of ideas was open, opinions were appreciated, but most of all, the basic human rights of all people were safe. That all changed at the beginning of the French RevolutionRead MoreThe Greatest Effects Of The Enlightenment Era2374 Words   |  10 PagesThe Enlightenment era spanned the late 16th and 17th hundreds and it was a movement in which thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Thomas Pain, and Adam Smith sought to make advances in a similar manner to the occurrences in this period with scientific achievements/improvements. Two of the greatest effects of the Enlightenment era were the American and French Revolutions, which gained their foundation from the revolutionary ideas brought forward by the Enlightenment thinkers. The leaders ofRead MoreJohn Locke And The Enlightenment Era2187 Words   |  9 PagesThe Enlightenment Era was an era of brilliance skepticism and innovation for the world we humans live on. Ranging from Thomas Hobbes to Rousseau, the Enlightenment Era has revealed many brilliant minds, including the best philosopher of the said time, John Locke. A philosopher and a physician, John Locke was introducing ideas that to others, seemed ridiculous; however, these ideas and beliefs are the ideas that have led our society to the current state we live in. The influence and principles ofRead MoreEducation And The Intellectual Era Of Enlightenment1398 Words   |  6 PagesThe educational system that we have today was built in the intellectual era of enlightenment. Our educational system hasn’t changed since then and no one has complained about it before or made a new educational system to propose. Our educational system today is mainly about math and English which limits the creativity for a student to want to do something else with his life then count numbers or read books. When children are placed in kindergarten they tend to have more creativity then older onesRead MoreThe Classical Era And The Age Of Enlightenment1123 Words   |  5 Pagesthat knowledge is power. They called this the age of enlightenment because instead of relying on superstitions and beliefs they relied on scientific knowledge to show the way. Before this era was the medieval era and with Beethoven’s appearance in the world it soon became the romantic era. Although before the romantic era was the classical era. In the classical era the music was known as clearer with cleaner and more distinct parts. His whole era was very much revolved around all kinds of arts, but