Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition. This period marked a significant shift in thinking about society, politics, and human nature, promoting ideas that encouraged questioning established norms and seeking knowledge through empirical evidence. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern disciplines, including archaeology, by inspiring a more systematic approach to studying the past.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment fostered a climate where individuals began to challenge traditional authorities, including the church and monarchy, leading to political revolutions like the American and French Revolutions.
2. Philosophers such as John Locke and Voltaire argued for natural rights and freedoms, laying the foundation for modern democratic principles.
3. The movement encouraged advancements in various fields including philosophy, science, art, and literature, which collectively influenced modern thought.
4. Archaeology as a discipline began to take shape during the Enlightenment as scholars sought to understand ancient civilizations through a more systematic and scientific lens.
5. The emphasis on reason during this era inspired early antiquarians who began documenting historical artifacts, ultimately contributing to the development of archaeology as a formal field.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence the development of early antiquarianism?
  • The Age of Enlightenment significantly shaped early antiquarianism by promoting a spirit of inquiry and a focus on empirical evidence. Antiquarians started to document artifacts and historical sites with a methodical approach influenced by Enlightenment ideals. This shift led to a greater appreciation for understanding the past through scientific methods rather than solely relying on traditional narratives.
• Discuss the role of reason and empirical evidence in shaping archaeological practices during the Enlightenment period.
  • During the Enlightenment, reason and empirical evidence became cornerstones of archaeological practices as scholars sought to move beyond mythological interpretations of history. This intellectual framework encouraged archaeologists to base their findings on tangible evidence from excavations and artifacts. The rigorous methodologies developed during this time laid important groundwork for future archaeological research and exploration.
• Evaluate how the principles of the Age of Enlightenment contributed to societal changes that affected both politics and archaeology.
  • The principles of the Age of Enlightenment ushered in societal changes that profoundly impacted both political structures and fields like archaeology. By advocating for reason, individual rights, and skepticism toward tradition, this movement prompted political revolutions that dismantled absolute monarchies and promoted democratic governance. Simultaneously, it inspired a more scientific approach to archaeology, where scholars began to question established narratives about ancient civilizations. This dual impact not only transformed governance but also encouraged deeper understanding of human history based on empirical research rather than dogma.

Related terms

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that asserts knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, influencing scientific methods and the pursuit of knowledge during the Enlightenment.

Rationalism: An epistemological stance asserting that reason and logical deduction are the primary sources of knowledge, often contrasted with empiricism during the Enlightenment.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from civic affairs and government, a key idea that gained traction during the Enlightenment as thinkers promoted reason over faith.