4.2- Introduction to the Classical Era
The Influences
[audio:enlightenment.mp3]Huge Changes Politically
- Huge changes in Europe and America
- The creation of the United States of America
- The demise of the French Monarchy
The Enlightenment
- Emphasis on Reason and Intellect
- Emphasis on Secular Concerns
- Freedom from Tyranny and Superstition
- Attacks against hypocrisy
- Belief in the Goodness of Man
- Emphasis on the Common Man
The Evolution of Humanism
[audio:rationalhumanism.mp3]- Rational Humanism
- Progress through learning
- Humans must be free to think and learn
The Philosopher
(Please scroll down in this link)
Rene Descartes — Father of Modern Philosophy
- “I think, therefore I am’
- A rationalist
- Our experience shapes us
- An empiricist
- Argued against the “divine right” of kings
- We use our mind to make sense of our experiences
- Rationalism and empiricism combined