cogito ergo sum A Latin philosophical proposition by René Descartes usually translated into English as “I think, therefore I am.” The phrase originally appeared in his Discourse on the Method. scientific method A body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge that apply empirical or measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. It has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting of systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses. In the sciences, its methodologies attempt to explain entire systems in terms of their individual, constituent parts and interactions. Key Terms reductionism Several related but distinct philosophical positions regarding the connections between theories, “reducing” one idea to another, more basic one. Although they did eventually inspire the struggles for rights of people of color, women, or the working masses, most Enlightenment thinkers did not advocate equality for all, regardless of race, gender, or class, but rather insisted that rights and freedoms were not hereditary. Historians of race, gender, and class note that Enlightenment ideals were not originally envisioned as universal in the today’s sense of the word.In religion, Enlightenment era commentary was a response to the preceding century of religious conflict in Europe. It brought political modernization to the West. The Enlightenment has long been hailed as the foundation of modern Western political and intellectual culture. Science came to play a leading role in Enlightenment discourse and thought.A second, more moderate variety sought accommodation between reform and the traditional systems of power and faith. The radical Enlightenment advocated democracy, individual liberty, freedom of expression, and eradication of religious authority. There were two distinct lines of Enlightenment thought.The cultural exchange during the Age of Enlightenment ran between particular European countries and also in both directions across the Atlantic. The Enlightenment took hold in most European countries, often with a specific local emphasis.French historians usually place the period between 17. Most scholars use the last years of the century, often choosing the French Revolution of 1789 or the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars (1804–15) to date the end of the Enlightenment. There is little consensus on the precise beginning of the Age of Enlightenment, but the beginning of the 18th century (1701) or the middle of the 17th century (1650) are commonly identified as starting points.Centered on the idea that reason is the primary source of authority and legitimacy, this movement advocated such ideals as liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and separation of church and state. The Age of Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe in the 18th century.A child over the age of fourteen was considered to be fully responsible for his or her actions. Under Common Law, seven was the age of reason. The age at which a child is considered capable of acting responsibly. This period goes by the names "the Enlightenment," "the Age of Reason," and "the Neo-Classical Age."Īge of Reason. This is called the Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason or the Neo-Classical Era. It was a best-seller in the United States, where it caused a short-lived deistic revival.Īlso to know, what is another name for the Age of Reason? It was published in three parts in 1794, 1795, and 1807. Likewise, which age is known as the Age of Reason?Īnswer and Explanation: The 18th century is commonly called the Age of Reason because the philosophical trends at that time stressed the superiority of reason overĪdditionally, what started the age of reason? It follows in the tradition of 18th- century British deism, and challenges institutionalized religion and the legitimacy of the Bible.