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Learn about how European thinkers during the Enlightenment developed new ideas about government and society influenced by reason. Discover the spread of Enlightenment and the exciting conclusion reached by philosophers.
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The Enlightenment Main Idea European thinkers developed new ideas about government and society during the Enlightenment. • Reading Focus • How was the Enlightenment influenced by reason? • What new views did philosophers have about government? • What new views did philosophers have about society? • How did Enlightenment spread?
Scientific Revolution convinced many European thinkers about power of reason Scientific method and reason led to discoveries about physical world Wondered if reason could be used to study human nature, society New generation of philosophers, 1600s Viewed reason as best way to understand truth Concluded reason could be used to solve all human problems This time of optimism now called the Enlightenment The Age of Reason
Peak of Enlightenment Ideas of Enlightenment • Reached peak in 1700s • Paris, center of intellectual activity • Parisian women hosted social gatherings, salons • Philosophers, artists, scientists, writers regularly discussed ideas • Educated people throughout Europe, beyond, inspired • Held notion that world problems could be solved • New ideas debated in coffeehouses, public spaces • Writers published ideas in books, magazines, pamphlets The Age of Reason
Find the Main Idea What exciting conclusion did philosophers reach during the Enlightenment? Answer(s): Reason could be used to solve all human problems.