Humanities Study Guide

Humanities Study Guide

Chapter 8: The 18th Century and Enlightenment

Overview This chapter will take us through a time of swift modernization. We’ll look at a shift in ideological thinking and a new importance on education. It’s important to understand that by now, Western culture was developing quickly in the Americas as well as in Europe. Learning Objectives At the end of this chapter, you will be able to: • Describe different philosophical ideas from the Enlightenment • Compare how different ideologies inspired different types of art 8.1 New Ways of Thinking Philosophy During this time, there was a movement of intellectuals who popularized the use of science rather than religion. They strove to apply research and reason to human affairs and the world. These intellectuals used various forms of writings to educate the public and provoke new thoughts. Denis Diderot wrote the Encyclopedia, which brought together new ideas and accumulated knowledge from various areas. People argued against traditional ideas and advocated for science and reasoning as ways to understand the world. They suggested that humanity could be improved through rational thinking and solutions, and they believed that humans could grow and learn at unfathomable rates. Scientists urged that everything has a cause, and all ideas come from experience. Social intolerance and injustice were the main barriers to progress. Jean Jaques Rousseau was a famous philosopher who argued that people should exchange their natural liberties for the civil freedom of society. He emphasized the inherent goodness of humanity, praising human emotions over logic and reason. He believed that humans reached an enlightened sense of self-mastery by the collective interests of the citizens of a state. Adam Smith was a Scottish philosopher who wrote one of the founding documents of the classical liberalism movement called An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. He believed that the principles of natural liberty should govern the economy. Furthermore, Smith argued that society would benefit if people were free from government interference and allowed to pursue their own interests. He thought that society would be pushed by an "invisible hand" that would guide everyone towards happiness and prosperity.

© 2020

Achieve

Page 45 of 62