Enlightenment Philosophy

Definition

Enlightenment philosophy refers to the intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This philosophy promoted ideas of liberty, progress, and the scientific method, which significantly influenced various areas including politics, science, and art. It encouraged a shift from feudalistic views and religious dogmas towards secularism and rational thinking, ultimately paving the way for modern democratic societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment philosophers challenged traditional authority, advocating for freedom of thought and expression, which directly influenced the development of Restoration and Sentimental Comedy.
2. Key figures such as John Locke and Voltaire articulated ideas about individual rights and governance that laid the groundwork for modern democracy.
3. The movement promoted the idea of natural rights, arguing that all individuals possess inherent rights simply by being human.
4. Enlightenment thought encouraged skepticism towards superstition and religious orthodoxy, fostering a culture where reason could be applied to all aspects of life including literature and drama.
5. The transition from Restoration Comedy, known for its focus on wit and sexual intrigue, to Sentimental Comedy reflected Enlightenment values by emphasizing morality, emotional depth, and the importance of virtue.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophy influence the themes and character development in Restoration Comedy?
  • Enlightenment philosophy influenced Restoration Comedy by introducing themes of reason, individualism, and social critique. Playwrights began to incorporate more complex characters who represented moral dilemmas and societal challenges. This shift created an environment where humor was not just about wit and seduction but also about questioning social norms and advocating for personal agency.
• Analyze the ways in which Enlightenment ideas contributed to the evolution of Sentimental Comedy from its Restoration roots.
  • The evolution from Restoration Comedy to Sentimental Comedy reflects a significant shift in values due to Enlightenment ideas. While Restoration Comedy often celebrated cynicism and sexual exploits, Sentimental Comedy focused on emotional authenticity, moral lessons, and the importance of virtue. This change highlights how Enlightenment thinkers valued human experience and emotions as a basis for ethical behavior and societal progress.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment philosophy on contemporary views of morality as reflected in both Restoration and Sentimental Comedy.
  • Enlightenment philosophy fundamentally reshaped contemporary views on morality by advocating for reasoned ethics rather than adherence to tradition or religious dogma. This shift is evident in both Restoration and Sentimental Comedy; while Restoration Comedy questioned societal morals through satire, Sentimental Comedy sought to affirm moral lessons through emotional narratives. This dual approach showcases the tension between established norms and evolving moral consciousness shaped by Enlightenment ideals, influencing how audiences perceive right and wrong even today.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge, emphasizing logic and deductive reasoning over sensory experience.

Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience, asserting that observation and experimentation are fundamental to understanding the world.

Social Contract: A political theory suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for protection of their rights.