Enlightenment and Revolution Section 2 The Enlightenment Main

Enlightenment and Revolution Section 2 The Enlightenment Main Idea European thinkers developed new ideas about government and society during the Enlightenment. Reading Focus • How was the Enlightenment influenced by reason? • What new views did philosophers have about government? • What new views did philosophers have about society? • How did Enlightenment spread?

Enlightenment and Revolution Section 2 The Age of Reason Scientific Revolution convinced many European thinkers about power of reason • Scientific method and reason led to discoveries about physical world • Wondered if reason could be used to study human nature, society – New generation of philosophers, 1600 s – Viewed reason as best way to understand truth – Concluded reason could be used to solve all human problems – This time of optimism now called the Enlightenment

Section 2 Enlightenment and Revolution The Age of Reason Ideas of Enlightenment • Educated people throughout Europe, beyond, inspired • Held notion that world problems could be solved • New ideas debated in coffeehouses, public spaces • Writers published ideas in books, magazines, pamphlets Peak of Enlightenment • Reached peak in 1700 s • Paris, center of intellectual activity • Parisian women hosted social gatherings, salons • Philosophers, artists, scientists, writers regularly discussed ideas

Enlightenment and Revolution Section 2 Find the Main Idea What exciting conclusion did philosophers reach during the Enlightenment? Answer(s): Reason could be used to solve all human problems.