Enlightenment Part I PDF
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Norman Hampson
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This document is an article about the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that took place in the 17th and 18th centuries. The article focuses on the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason as a means to reform society and emphasizes the rejection of non-rational elements like emotions. The article describes the concept of rationality and its implications for social structures and beliefs.
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Enlightenment Article Norman Hampson Part I Age of Enlightenment / Age of Reason Philosophical movement of 17-18th C Characterized by: Belief in the power of human REASON Which motivated major development in: Politics, religion, & education During the Enli...
Enlightenment Article Norman Hampson Part I Age of Enlightenment / Age of Reason Philosophical movement of 17-18th C Characterized by: Belief in the power of human REASON Which motivated major development in: Politics, religion, & education During the Enlightenment intellectuals Mobilized power of Reason to: Reform society Stop corruption of Church and State Oppose intolerance Promote intellectual exchange Emphasis was on: Order in the natural world Natural Rights Progress Right to self government Science shaped the Age of Reason by: Introducing the Critical approach which: Abandons Rejects & Denies All beliefs or systems NOT Based on REASON Or justified by Reason Rationalism became all-inclusive Which is the principle of basing opinions/actions on reason Rather than on religious belief or emotional response What is NOT rational is rejected Emotions, metaphysical, abstract etc. Europeans carried the torch of 1st: RATIONALISM Since their culture is based on REASON It is therefore SUPERIOR Societies should follow European model Accept European self-proclaimed SUPERIORITY Such attitudes accept & legitimize: ▪ Destruction of cultural pluralism ▪ Destruction of diversity ▪ Disregard ethnic minorities It was actually used to justify European: Imperialism/colonialism 2nd: Europeans supported INDIVIDUALISM Glorifying individual over collective/communal Their argument: Since, NOT all people can be enlightened Communal action will NOT produce rational societies Happiness/success should be limited to Individuals who possess the Capacity of REASON Enlightenment introduced a New Vision of the Universe ▪Challenged the date of creation ▪Examined Geological changes ▪Believed in biological evolution In addition Considered possibility of life on other planets
