Philosophes in the Enlightenment Era PDF
Document Details
Uploaded by YouthfulRhenium
AUB
Tags
Summary
This document provides an overview of the French Philosophes during the Age of Enlightenment. It discusses three key principles embraced by these philosophers: progress, deism, and tolerance. The Philosophes promoted skepticism, intellectual exchange, challenged tradition, and opposed superstition, fostering reforms based on reason and progress in society, while distrusting religious institutions. The document also explains how these principles influenced social and political reforms, including the American and French Revolutions.
Full Transcript
French Philosophes Philosophy Pursuit of knowledge Includes all areas of speculative thought theoretical vs. actual Philosophers offers theories on Ethics, metaphysics, logic, etc. French Philosophes Particular type of French philosophers During the Age of Enli...
French Philosophes Philosophy Pursuit of knowledge Includes all areas of speculative thought theoretical vs. actual Philosophers offers theories on Ethics, metaphysics, logic, etc. French Philosophes Particular type of French philosophers During the Age of Enlightenment After discoveries Europe witnessed a period of CULTURAL EXCHANGE This promoted skeptical outlook among Europeans about: Presumed Superiority of their Race And their Culture Philosophes were the ones who: Promoted skepticism Stimulated intellectual exchange Challenged tradition Opposed superstition Fought intolerance Pushed for reforms based on reason In Addition they: Encouraged progress Distrusted organized religion Worked against feudal institutions Inspired people who led the AMERICAN & FRENCH REVOLUTIONS Three principles embraced by Philosophes 1st: Progress 2nd: Deism 3rd: Tolerance 1st: PROGRESS Humanity develops on Three levels LEVEL ONE: Knowledge of the natural world Ability to manipulate the world through technology LEVEL TWO: Rejection of both: Ignorance Superstitions LEVEL THREE: End cruelty and violence Introduce Social & Political reforms 2nd: DEISM Existence of God is based on REASON NO Creator NO Universe This IS logic NOT faith God’s existence is finalized by Observation of the natural world This IS logic NOT faith God, as non-interventionist is NOT Atheism Deism only rejected supernatural phenomenon It criticized organized religion where God’s existence is verified Through Revelation & Miracles Deism rejects BOTH Pillars of the Christian Faith: 1: Biblical Inerrancy Bible is entirely free from error 2: The Trinity God as One in Three con-substantial persons: Father, Son & Holy Spirit Knowledge should be approached FREE from: Religious convictions Prejudices Spiritual Truths can be reached by REASON ALONE 3rd: TOLERANCE 16th and 17th C. were times of religious intolerance among: 1st: Among Christians: Catholic & Protestant 2nd: Among Christians & other religions: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Atheism… Societies are judged by degree of Religious Tolerance The worst crimes in history were committed: In the Name of God In the Name of Religion
