The
characteristics of the French Enlightenment philosophers are opposition to
authority, rationalism, cultural optimism, return to nature, natural religion
and human rights were all themes of the Enlightenment. Here are some basic
tenets of the era:
1) Enlightenment
philosophers felt that the individual must find their own answer to each
question.(Clergy, kind, nobility)
2)
Locke – God and moral norms are within human reason. This was the core idea of
the movement.
3)
The movement was characterized by an unshakable faith in human reason. (Due to
much of the new science around.) There was a need to enlighten the masses – a
great focus on education(pedagogy). First encyclopedia is compiled.
4)
cultural optimism – once reason and knowledge are widespread, humanity will
progress greatly.
5)
Noticed that savages were healthier and happier than Europeans. This prompted a
“return to nature” sentiment. A child should be allowed to be naturally
innocent. People wanted a natural harmony between religion and reason.
6)
It was believed to be rational to believe in God and an immortal soul. They
wanted to strip religion of irrational dogmas. Deism -–God never reveals
himself in supernatural ways.
7)
Fought for the natural rights of citizens, freedom of the press, freedom of
thought, abolition of slavery, and more humane treatment of criminals.
Declaration of the Rights of Man. Condorcet – focused on the rights of women as
well. Olympe de Gauges also fought for women’s rights. She was beheaded and
women for forbidden from politics.
