Classicism 1700 s1800 s Also known as the

Classicism (1700 s-1800 s) (Also known as the __________ or ________)

Definition • Adherence to traditional standards such a simplicity, restraint, moderation, and personal freedom that are universally and enduringly valid • Emphasis on logical, rational thought.

I. ENLIGHTENMENT The belief that we, as humans, can arrive at the truth by using our _______ rather than relying on the authority of the past, religious faith or on intuition. _____ takes precedence over authority.

II. DEISM - the belief that God’s will does not control the universe; God gave man reason in order to ___________________. Deists believe that God created the universe, then disassociated himself from his creation. God acts as an “_______. ”

• “Members of the United Deist Community hold the belief that God is discovered through Reason – but the task of discovery is never over. We each pursue a lifelong intellectual odyssey” Excerpt from the United Deist Community web site. • “My _____ is my church. ” - ________

Deists believe that: 1. God is not accessed through organized ______ or a set of beliefs 2. God has not selected a __________ (e. g. Jews or Christians) to be the recipients of any special revelation or gifts. 3. They believe that ______ do not happen; the "world operates by natural and self-sustaining laws of the creator. " 4. Deists pray, but only to express their appreciation to God for his works. They generally do not ask for special privileges.

III. CLASSICISM/RATIONALISM based on Enlightenment & Deism BELIEFS: 1. Faith in natural _________ – man is basically good, born without sin; the concept of tabula rasa or blank slate. 2. Perfectibility of a human being – every individual can achieve ________ through reason (and it is possible to improve situations of birth, economy, society, and religion) 3. The sovereignty of reason - Rene Descartes’ “I think, therefore, I am. ” God gave people the ability to think in a logical, ordered manner. _______ takes precedence over authority. 4. Universal benevolence - the attitude of helping everyone; everyone can achieve happiness through __________. 5. Clarity, order and balance are ideal qualities – the universe created by God is ____________.

IV. CLASSICIST LITERATURE 1. Rooted in _____ and ______, and not God and the imagination. 2. A searching inquiry in all aspects of the world around. • _____, ______ and experiments • _____ and _____ inquiry 3. Constant search of the _______ - emphasis on individualism in • Personal religion • Study of the Bible for personal interpretation

Common forms of Classicist Literature: • Pamphlets • ______ • Newspaper Articles • Journals • Almanacs • Letters • Essays

What are the major differences between Puritanism and Classicism?