Enlightenment Era

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Introduction:

The Enlightenment (late 1600s–late 1700s) was an intellectual movement emphasizing reason, scientific inquiry, individual liberty, and empirical observation.

It was foundational for transforming psychology and medicine from spiritual/demonic models to more naturalistic and biological explanations of behavior.


Key Shifts in Thinking:

Previous Paradigm

Enlightenment Contribution

Demonic possession

Mental illness seen as natural, biological

Religious/spiritual explanations

Rise of rational, scientific explanations

Institutional neglect

Birth of moral treatment and reform in asylums

Authority of religion

Authority of individual thought and empirical proof

 

Prominent Philosophers and Thinkers:

  1. René Descartes (1596–1650):

    • Contribution: Dualism: Mind and body are separate entities.

    • Impact: Influenced early ideas about mental vs. physical illness.

    • Quote: "I think, therefore I am."


  2. John Locke (1632–1704):

    • Contribution: Tabula Rasa: The mind is a blank slate shaped by experience.

    • Impact: Paved the way for behaviorism and environmental psychology.


  3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778):

    • Contribution: Emphasized human emotion, subjectivity, and natural goodness.

    • Impact: Influenced humanistic and person-centered therapy ideals.


  4. Philippe Pinel (1745–1826):

    • Physician, not philosopher but critical.

    • Contribution: Advocated for the humane treatment of the mentally ill in France.

    • Impact: Introduced “moral treatment,” freeing patients from chains.


  5. William Tuke (1732–1822):

    • Contribution: Quaker reformer who established the York Retreat, focusing on kindness and respect in care.

    • Impact: A model for psychiatric care based on compassion rather than punishment.