We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Enlightenment

Save

Enlightenment is a historical period that occurred in Europe during the 18th century. It was characterized by a new emphasis on rationality, science, and the human spirit. Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings could improve their lives and society through the use of reason and logic. They also believed that all people were equal and deserved to be free and happy.

The Origins of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment has its origins in the scientific revolution of the 17th century. During the scientific revolution, scientists made great strides in understanding the natural world. They developed new methods of observation and experimentation, and they made important discoveries about the laws of nature. The scientific revolution led to a new confidence in human reason and the ability of human beings to solve problems.

The Enlightenment in France

The Enlightenment reached its peak in France in the 18th century. French thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu were among the most influential figures of the Enlightenment. They wrote about a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and society. Their ideas had a profound impact on the development of the French Revolution and the spread of Enlightenment thought throughout Europe.

The Impact of the Enlightenment

Read more

Enlightenment is a historical period that occurred in Europe during the 18th century. It was characterized by a new emphasis on rationality, science, and the human spirit. Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings could improve their lives and society through the use of reason and logic. They also believed that all people were equal and deserved to be free and happy.

The Origins of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment has its origins in the scientific revolution of the 17th century. During the scientific revolution, scientists made great strides in understanding the natural world. They developed new methods of observation and experimentation, and they made important discoveries about the laws of nature. The scientific revolution led to a new confidence in human reason and the ability of human beings to solve problems.

The Enlightenment in France

The Enlightenment reached its peak in France in the 18th century. French thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu were among the most influential figures of the Enlightenment. They wrote about a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and society. Their ideas had a profound impact on the development of the French Revolution and the spread of Enlightenment thought throughout Europe.

The Impact of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment had a profound impact on Western culture. It led to the development of new ideas about politics, economics, and education. It also led to a new appreciation for the arts and sciences. The Enlightenment helped to lay the foundations for the modern world.

Why Learn About the Enlightenment?

There are many reasons to learn about the Enlightenment. Studying the Enlightenment can help you understand the origins of the modern world. It can also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to understand different perspectives. Enlightenment ideas are still relevant today, and they can help us to understand the challenges facing the world today.

How to Learn About the Enlightenment

There are many ways to learn about the Enlightenment. You can read books and articles about the Enlightenment, or you can take online courses. You can also visit museums and historical sites related to the Enlightenment.

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the Enlightenment. Online courses offer a flexible and convenient way to learn about this topic. Many online courses also offer interactive features that can help you engage with the material and improve your understanding of the Enlightenment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Enlightenment, consider taking one of the many online courses that are available. These courses can help you gain a deeper understanding of this important historical period and its impact on the modern world.

Careers

Studying the Enlightenment can lead to a variety of careers. Here are a few examples:

  • Historian
  • Philosopher
  • Political scientist
  • Sociologist
  • Anthropologist
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Teacher
  • Museum curator
  • Librarian

These are just a few examples of the many careers that can be pursued by people who study the Enlightenment. With a degree in the Enlightenment, you will be prepared for a wide range of careers in the humanities and social sciences.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are interested in studying the Enlightenment tend to be curious and open-minded. They are also typically good at critical thinking and problem solving. If you are interested in learning more about history, philosophy, or politics, then you may be well-suited for a career in the Enlightenment.

How Studying the Enlightenment Can Help You in Your Career

Studying the Enlightenment can help you develop a variety of skills that can be valuable in your career. These skills include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Public speaking

These skills are essential for success in a variety of careers. By studying the Enlightenment, you can develop the skills you need to be successful in your chosen field.

Conclusion

The Enlightenment was a period of great intellectual ferment that had a profound impact on Western culture. Studying the Enlightenment can help you understand the origins of the modern world and develop the skills you need to be successful in your career.

Share

Help others find this page about Enlightenment: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Enlightenment.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest scholarship on the Enlightenment. It covers all aspects of the Enlightenment, from its intellectual origins to its political and social impact.
This multi-volume work is the most comprehensive and authoritative history of the Enlightenment. It covers all aspects of the Enlightenment, from its intellectual origins to its political and social impact.
Provides a classic account of the Enlightenment. It covers all aspects of the Enlightenment, from its intellectual origins to its political and social impact.
Analyzes the Enlightenment as a cultural phenomenon. It draws on various disciplines, including history, philosophy, and literature, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Enlightenment.
Provides a political history of the Enlightenment. It examines the political ideas of the Enlightenment, and it explores the impact of the Enlightenment on politics.
Provides a lively and readable account of the Enlightenment. It is written by Will and Ariel Durant, two of the most popular historians of the 20th century.
Provides a comparative history of the Enlightenment. It covers the Enlightenment in different countries and regions, and it compares the different ways in which the Enlightenment developed in each place.
Provides a critical assessment of the Enlightenment. It argues that the Enlightenment had both positive and negative effects, and it challenges some of the assumptions that are often made about the Enlightenment.
Provides a social history of the Enlightenment. It examines the social and economic conditions that gave rise to the Enlightenment, and it explores the impact of the Enlightenment on society.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the Enlightenment. It is written by Peter Gay, one of the leading experts on the Enlightenment.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser