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What was the Age of Enlightenment and how did it shape modern society?

Sandi Mullenger

Honestly, I had to Google this question, but here's what I found out. The Age of Enlightenment was a period in history that began in Europe during the 18th century. The thinkers and philosophers of the time believed in reason, logic, and scientific inquiry, as opposed to blindly following tradition and authority. They questioned religion, politics, and economics, and sought to create a more rational and just society. This movement affected everything from art and literature to science and politics.

One of the major ways that the Age of Enlightenment shaped modern society was through the idea of human rights. Thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that all individuals have natural rights that are inherent and should not be taken away by government or other authority figures. This idea eventually found expression in documents like the United States Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Enlightenment also played a role in the development of scientific thought and advances in technology. This emphasis on rational inquiry and experimentation led to the creation of the scientific method, which is still used today. It also helped to promote the idea of free and open discourse, where ideas and theories can be debated and tested against one another in order to arrive at the truth.

Of course, the Enlightenment was not without its flaws and contradictions. While many Enlightenment thinkers believed in the value of reason and scientific inquiry, they often held deeply racist and sexist beliefs. Additionally, the Enlightenment's emphasis on individualism and reason sometimes led to a neglect of community and emotion.

Overall, the Age of Enlightenment was a hugely influential period in history that helped to shape many of the values that we still hold dear today. While it was not a perfect time, and there is still much work to be done in terms of equality and justice, the ideas and values that emerged from this movement have been an important influence on modern society.