|
||
Definition:
The Enlightenment was a period of European history in which progressive and liberal
ideas emerged in politics while naturalism, empiricism and rationalism developed out
of the continuing advancement of scientific thinking and scientific experimentation.
Characteristic of the Enlightenment was the growing sense that, through a combination
of liberal politics and naturalistic science, human nature and human society could
eventually be perfected.
Also Known As: Age of Reason
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
Further Reading:
Enemies of the Enlightenment: The French Counter-Enlightenment and the Making of Modernity, 1778-1830
Who were the "Enemies of the Enlightenment," and why it matter what they said and thought? The answers to both are intriguing, at least as presented by Darrin M. McMahon in his new book. Of particular relevancy to many will be the ways in which people today have similar motivations and goals as the "enemies" described in McMahon's book. The case against the Enlightenment has not been finalized. Read Review...
