1750-1800(a time of military and political revolution)

The Age of Reason(a.k.a Enlightenment)

When and where did the Age of Reason or Enlightenment begin?

End of the 17th Century; EuropeDefine RationalismTruth can only be found with the use of

reason (not from religious faith or emotion)

When did serious opposition to slavery arise in the colonies?

During the Revolutionary War eraWhy is it logical that opposition would arise

at that point in America’s history?Greater attention was given to the issues of

human equality and human rights; 1780 the first measure was passed

Deism BeliefsGod made it possible for all people at all

times to discover the natural laws through their God-given power of reason

The universe was orderly and goodAll people are perfectible through the use

of reasonGod’s objective was the happiness of allWorship God by helping others

DeistsCame from all religious backgrounds and

did not support any specific religious groupSought the principles that united all

religionsIncluded many founders of our nation:

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Thomas Paine

Why do we care about Rationalism and Deism?The American struggle for independence

was justified largely by appeals to rationalist principles.

Declaration of Independence is based on rationalist assumptions and about the relations between people, God and the law

Literature during the Age of ReasonRooted in realityServed practical or political ends (public

writing)Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography is

considered a masterpiece of this ageHe used the common Puritan

autobiographical narrative and omitted its religious justification

It marked the beginning of the self-made American theme in American literature (first rags to riches story)

Puritan Culture Enlightenment Culture

Valued _______over reason

Valued ______ over faith

A contract with ______ formed the basis of government

A______ contract among rational ______formed the basis of government

Believe most people are______

Believe people are inherently ______

Writing is ______inward looking

Writing is______, (persuasive)

Write this down

Puritan Culture Enlightenment Culture

Valued faith over reason

Faith over faith

A contract with God formed the basis of government

A social contract among rational men formed the basis of government

Believe most people are sinners

Believe people are inherently good

Writing is private/personal, inward looking (simple/plain)

Writing is public, political, (persuasive & complex)

How did Puritans view the rise of rationalism and how did it affect their culture?

Rationalism threatened Puritan beliefs because they looked to God for all life matters; it caused the culture to change and eventually dissipate

What is a rationalist’s view of God?God endowed man with the gift of reason

therefore everyone can improve his or her life.God does not interfere in the world of manHuman history is marked by progress toward

a more perfect existence.

Read the “Fast Facts” on pages 16 and 17 in your literature book about political and philosophical highlights from the 1600s to the mid 1700s