The Age of ReasonAmerican Literature

The Age of Reason Also known as “The Enlightenment.” Began in Europe with the philosophers and

scientists of the 17th and 18th centuries. Rationalists believed that human beings

can arrive at truth by using reason, rather than by relying on the authority of the past, on religious faith, or on intuition.

Challenged the faith of the Puritans.

God in the Age of Reason Puritans saw God as actively and

mysteriously involved in the workings of the universe.

Rationalists believed that God’s special gift to humanity was reason – the ability to think in an ordered, logical manner.

The gift of reason enabled people to discover both scientific and spiritual truth.

Effects of the Enlightenment Rationalists sought to improve the human

condition - moral, social, and political. Provided the philosophical basis for the

American Revolution. Influenced Jefferson, Franklin, John Adams,

Paine. Contributed to Jefferson’s Declaration of

Independence.

The Scientific Revolution (1500-1700) A transformation in scientific ideas in

physics, astronomy, and biology. Religion, superstition, and fear were

replaced by reason and knowledge. Considered the foundation of modern

science. Scientists: Copernicus, Kepler, Newton,

Galileo (all remained devout in their faith).

Aspects of the Scientific Revolution In broad terms the scientific revolution had

four major aspects: the development of the experimental method the realization that nature obeys mathematical

rules the use of scientific knowledge to achieve

practical aims the development of scientific institutions.

Writings of the Enlightenment The writings of this time period feature:

pamphlets anonymous tracts journal articles newspaper articles

In Summary More than a set of fixed ideas, the

Enlightenment implied an attitude, a method of thought. German philosopher Immanuel Kant proposed as the motto of the age, “Dare to know.”

A desire arose to reexamine and question all received ideas and values, to explore new ideas in many different directions—hence the inconsistencies and contradictions that often appear in the writings of 18th-century thinkers.