Details about assessments and submission guidelines.
Marks for submitted work might be delayed if submitted after the 17th (date of extension).
If there's no mark, it might be due to ongoing investigation over potential academic misconduct.
Average marks in recent evaluations hover around 66, which is considered standard.
Encouragement for students who score credit or above.
Focus on the Enlightenment as a continuation of the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Revolution.
Key figures to be discussed include Galileo, Bacon, Descartes, and Newton, leading to the exploration of Adam Smith's ideas.
Aim to connect scientific progression with the emergence of capitalism and highlight the influence on American and French Revolutions.
Galileo Galilei
Early astronomer who proposed heliocentric theory, placing the Sun at the center of the universe.
His ideas contradicted Church doctrine leading to his house arrest after being deemed a heretic.
Francis Bacon
Advocated for the scientific method, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning.
Pioneered the idea that knowledge is power through understanding and manipulating the world.
René Descartes
Suggested systematic doubt of all knowledge except that which can be proven through reason and observation.
Argued for innate understanding of God and self as the roots of knowledge.
Created questions about authority and knowledge, stressing that individuals can understand the world independently of religious institutions.
A pivotal question arose: how can knowledge itself be validated without reliance on traditional authority?
Emphasis on humans’ ability to understand and predict outcomes of the physical world through reason.
Questioning the basis of knowledge led to instability, creating a ‘sawing off the branch’ situation for philosophers.
Many Enlightenment thinkers did not aim to disprove God but instead sought to understand the universe as a reflection of Divine intention through reason.
Smith’s work during the economic transformations of Scotland emphasizes a shift towards capitalism.
Wealth of Nations is foundational, proposing that individual economic self-interest promotes societal prosperity.
Introduced the concept of the 'invisible hand' governing market dynamics and advocating for minimal governmental interference in the economy.
The purpose of economic activity is understood through consumption and the betterment of human life.
Individual pursuit of rational self-interest can lead to collective prosperity.
Division of labor and specialization improves productivity.
Acknowledged that inequality arises from the divisions established in capitalism, not necessarily from a moral failing of these systems but rather as an inherent characteristic of economic structures.
Sparked by taxation issues (specifically the Tea Act) leading to widespread discontent.
Led to revolutionary sentiment embodied in concepts like “no taxation without representation.”
Resulted in the Declaration of Independence, which articulated Enlightenment ideals of equality and governance.
Inspired by Enlightenment ideas, it was marked by radical societal shifts unlike the American Revolution.
Key events: storming of the Bastille and the establishment of revolutionary ideals which emphasized rights and citizenship in the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
The French Revolution highlighted the contrast between seeking social reform and mere political independence as seen in the American context.
Reinforcement of key Messages regarding Enlightenment ideas and revolutions.
Discussions of underlying philosophical issues continue, with a promise to return to additional details in future lectures or sessions.