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The Enlightment

In: English and Literature

Submitted By lstpreux
Words 814
Pages 4
Luc Saint-Preux
History 3005
6/26/14

The question was asked if Global society was mainly shaped by the ideas of the Enlightenment period rather than other world views i.e. religion in the 1900. I do not believe Global society was mainly shaped by Enlightenment ideas rather than religion, however I do believe that this movement has had impact on society. The Enlightenment era was based on theories that reject religion. They views of answering to a higher calling and worshipping someone who is unseen. Enlightenment theorist believed that man made their own destiny. They believed that man could make their own rules to govern themselves instead of biblical beliefs and conducts.
Enlightenment was brought on by the age of science. It originated in European countries. According to “Ways of the World” Robert Strayer states
Growing numbers of people believe that the long-term outcome of scientific development would be “Enlightenment” a term that has come to define the eighteenth century in European history. If human reason could discover the laws that governed the universe, surely it could uncover ways in which humankind might govern itself more effectively” (745).
Enlightenment theorist discourages religions views and encourage gaining knowledge to evolve human society. They didn’t believe in superstition, politics and corruption of established religion. According to Stayer “The central theme of Enlightenment and what mad it potentially revolutionary was the idea of progress. Human society was not fixed by tradition of divine command but could be changed, and improved by human action guided by reason” (747). The Enlightenment movement did have its critics. It was highly rejected by flowers of religious beliefs. However religion will always persist and it di by adapting. As said earlier the Enlightenment period which stemmed from the Science revolution lead

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