Notes on 17th Century Philosophers and The Age of Reason
17th Century Philosophers and The Age of Reason
The 17th century marked the beginning of significant philosophical thought during the Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment. This period emphasized critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and the challenge of traditional ideas that had previously dominated the human understanding of the world.
Key figures of this time include:
René Descartes: Often considered the father of modern philosophy, he is best known for his statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which underlies the importance of doubt and questioning in the pursuit of knowledge.
John Locke: A pivotal figure who laid the foundation for modern democratic theory, Locke argued for natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. His ideas influenced the development of liberalism and the American Declaration of Independence.
Voltaire: A fierce advocate for civil liberties, religious freedom, and separation of church and state. His satirical works critiqued the establishment and championed Enlightenment values, making him a central figure in this intellectual movement.
Galileo Galilei: An astronomer and physicist whose work laid the groundwork for modern science through his support of heliocentrism and rigorous experimental methods.
Montesquieu: Known for his theory of the separation of powers within government, which became a foundation of modern democratic governance ensuring that no single entity holds absolute power.
Historical Context
Timeline of significant events:
476 AD
Fall of the Roman Empire, leading to a power vacuum and the rise of various feudal states across Western Europe.
Middle Ages (Dark Ages) span until approximately 1500 AD, characterized by limited scientific and cultural advancement.
Renaissance (14th-17th Century) and Enlightenment (17th-19th Century): A rebirth of classical learning in art, science, and philosophy leading into the Modern Era (1500-1800).
The Structure of Power Before Enlightenment
Initially, European nations were dominated by monarchs and the church, both of whom claimed divine rights to their power. This power structure was characterized by:
Monarchs and church leaders holding absolute authority, often justified through divine right.
The elite (monarchs, church leaders, wealthy families) fortifying their control and maintaining social hierarchies.
Shift Towards Reason and Change
By the 14th century, public dissent against the absolute power of monarchs and the church began to grow, leading to:
The emergence of Renaissance ideals, which promoted critical thinking, creativity, and the value of human experience.
A growing reliance on reason and scientific inquiry to challenge traditional authority, setting the stage for transformative political movements, such as the American and French Revolutions.
This period marked a critical questioning of religious authority and monarchy, fueling public discourse about rights, governance, and individual freedoms.
Key Concepts
Reason: The capacity for logical and critical thinking, essential for progress in philosophy, science, and social theory during the Enlightenment.
Enlightenment: A significant cultural movement that emphasized clarity, rational thought, and the pursuit of knowledge, with implications for governance, society, and personal freedoms.
Rebirth/Renaissance: A historical period that initiated renewed interest in classical knowledge, significantly enhancing art, science, and philosophy.
Major Contributors to Enlightenment Thought
John Locke: His notion of the social contract influenced modern democracy, asserting that governance requires the consent of the governed.
Voltaire: His works significantly impacted the development of civil liberties and inspired revolutionary thought revolving around individual rights.
Montesquieu: His advocacy for separation of powers established a framework for modern constitutional design.
Galileo: His astronomical observations and advocacy for heliocentrism challenged long-standing beliefs, leading to his trial by the Inquisition.
Isaac Newton: Revolutionized science with his laws of motion and universal gravitation, forming the basis for classical mechanics.
Shakespeare: His literary contributions reshaped the English language and theatre, with themes that explored human nature and complex social issues.
The French Revolution
A monumental social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, influenced heavily by Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire.
It arose from various factors, including economic hardship, social inequalities rooted in the three estates system, and the monarchy’s extravagant spending.
Key events included:
The storming of the Bastille, symbolizing the uprising against tyranny.
The publication of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed that government legitimacy is derived from the people and emphasized individual rights.
The Reign of Terror, a period of radicalization marked by mass executions including that of royalty, reflecting the emerging radical elements of the revolution.
Napoleon Bonaparte
An ambitious military leader who rose to prominence following the French Revolution, becoming a key historical figure in European history.
Made general at age 24, gaining popularity due to military successes across Europe.
Established significant reforms in France, including:
The Napoleonic Code, which standardized laws and promoted legal equality.
Economic reforms that enhanced job creation and infrastructure development, fostering a modernized economy.
Reinstatement of Catholicism as the state religion while promoting religious tolerance among various faiths.
Expanded his empire across Europe; however, his downfall was precipitated by unsuccessful military campaigns, notably the disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812.
Ultimately exiled after a series of military defeats, marking the end of his reign and prompting a re-evaluation of power and governance across Europe.