Deism

Introduction In the 18th century, a change of thinking occurred in all arts from philosophy to literature to art. This resulted in a new movement called Enlightenment where “enlighten” refers to “the idea of shedding light on something, illuminating it, making it clear”. Indeed, the purpose of thinkers of this movement was to spread the light of science and reason in a world that was too much linked to traditions. This new way of thinking began to chance every aspect of people’s lives and in…

The era of enlightenment (1650-1800), is described as a time when citizens took a universal and scientific approach to history. In other words, it was an epoch during which history was discovered as an important discipline for humanity. During the nineteenth century, a Franco-German war led to the establishment of a new German Empire. When the empire became industrious, historical creation stories became significant for residents in generating a public image of the German state (Wilkerson). As a…

Penn Jillette is a staunch atheist, or as he puts it “I am beyond atheism”. He does not believe in God, and even thinks of existence as a more positive experience without the existence or idea of a God. He believes that God does not exist and a world without God is better off in the long run. Jillette has many arguments opposing the existence of God. Mr. Jillette begins his argument opposing the existence of God by giving a definition of atheism, which he defines as “not believing in God,” or…

The Enlightenment was a movement in the western world that put into emphasis the ideas of using science and reason, as well as the rights of citizens under a governments rule. The first nation to totally adopt this sort of foundation was the early American government. During the early 18th century the colonies were widely influenced by the Age of Reason which brought scientists such as Isaac Newton and philosophers such as John Locke to light. At the time, the many of the colonies, especially…

Recognized as the father of Enlightenment, Benjamin Franklin’s views on Enlightenment serve to put in perspective the importance of going forward and not being a static nation. Within the greater ideals of Enlightenment, this need to “get on” comes through, for Franklin, with the perfectibility of man. That is to say that he tried to attain moral perfection. For instance, his thirteen virtues are proof of his desire to better himself and his fellowmen. Regardless of the importance he gives to…

In Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, the revolutionaries' actions contradict the supposed ideals of reason with rash decisions blinded by revenge, and supposed ideals of progress because of savage and backward thinking demonstrated by the mob. The Enlightenment was a time of reason and increase in individualism that took place in the 18th century. Prior to the French Revolution, the Age of Reason pushed for equality and logical thinking. The values of reason are disregarded and contradicted when…

As a wise man once said, “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.” Of course, this wise man is none other than the legendary Benjamin Franklin, American superstar. What was said way back in the eighteenth century is still relevant today, as are many of Franklin’s aphorisms. I myself have lived a personal example of this striking proverb within my lifetime, and have lived to tell the tale. This time last year I was a lowly freshman. Still wandering the halls wide-eyed and trepidatious,…

Eighteenth century Europe can be described as being in a transitory state of philosophy and politics. The Enlightenment was meant to give the individual the tools to better understand the world around them through spiritualty, philosophy, science or a combination there of. However the discourse and teachings of this archetypical narrative were far from monolithic in nature. The quest for knowledge resulted in the mass creation of theoretical explanations for issues such as morality, class…

The enlightenment consisted of key concepts shared by the most influential philosophers of its time, while also being found in major works that carry on through centuries to come. These conceptions consisted of reason, nature, happiness, progress, liberty, and toleration that make up the four broader categories of the eighteenth century. The major concepts of the Enlightenment were individualism, relativism, empiricism, and rationalism. First, the defining of “ism” gives great insight into the…

The enduring legacy of the Age of Reason is clear within modern education, society and politics. Influential writers, scholars, artists, and scientists used reason to eradicate superstition and ignorance. Progressive concepts about religion, reason, nature, and humanity developed newperspectives which prompted innovation in art, philosophy, and politics. The Enlightenment is the inspiration of modern day government, science, mathematics, and civil rights.The enlightenment intensified due to…