The Origins of Enlightenment

Scientific• Much of early science had to do with sun and stars.• Mixed Religion with Science. Theology and

science were self reinforcing for many years.– Galileo- spent 8 years under house arrest for

challenging church ideals about rotation of planets.• Superstition very significant- ex., idea that comets

were predictors of important social events. 1066 comet.

Enlightenment Thinking- Characteristics

• Do not uncritically accept authority.– Emancipation of mankind from arbitrary authority by

submission to REASON.• The mind alone is the source of meaning and

value.• Passion for ideas.• Belief in the scientific method.

Sir Isaac Newton

The Origins of EnlightenmentNewton:Principia (1687):• Used mathematics to establish laws for

governing the universe. Rules/Laws = Order = Predictability (maybe even Control in some cases)

Newton: Principia (1687):

• 3 Laws of motion– Body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by

some force (inertia).– Change of a body’s motion is proportional to

force acting on it.– To every action there is an equal and opposite

reaction.• Motion of planets and stars, gravity focus of

the work.

The Origins of EnlightenmentNewtonOpticks (1704):

– Proof by experiment.– Dealing largely with light.– Experimentalism: learn by experience, prove

by experience, trial and error.» Important for…

• Criticizing what exists• Trying to establish things that are new and

better.

The Origins of Enlightenment• Newton was science and science (“natural

philosophy”) was the 18th Century ideal.• Newton’s work had the effect of

rationalizing the world. Made the world regular, understandable, predictable, rather than mysterious and arbitrary.

• Newtonian “world machine” - rationalizing the world.

The Origins of Enlightenment

• Newton encouraged the desire to know and understand the world, not merely accept conventional wisdom.

• In Newton’s view a rational god created a rational universe, which man can discern. The idea of a “world machine” implies a builder. Took much that was unknown about the world out of the category of the unknown. Created hope for other discoveries.

American Enlightenment• Intellectual movement that swept Europe with new,

radical ideas finds its way to America– Often called The Age of Reason

• The Enlightenment’s basic assumptions – Optimistic view of human nature– God set up the universe and human society to operate by

mechanistic, natural laws– Those laws can be found through reason

• Mixed reception in America– Americans defended church, embraced search for practical

ways of improving life– But Enlightenment had broad impact even if many tried to

keep it’s ideas/values at bay.

Benjamin Franklin

The Origins of EnlightenmentScience in America: Ben Franklin

Experiments and Observations on Electricity (1754)

– Translated into at least 7 languages over 20 years.

– Introduced terms that we use today- positive and negative charges, battery, insulators, conductors, capacitors.

The Origins of EnlightenmentExperiments and Observations on Electricity• Research into lightening- famous lightening and

kite experiment. Kite not actually struck by lightening- the cord flying it charged by the atmosphere; felt spark when touched the key on the cord.

• Invention of lightening rod: Many had believed that lightening a message from God. Franklin invented lightening rod to save structures and prevent fires (especially dangerous in colonial era). Mobs tore down lightening rods out of fear.

The Origins of Enlightenment• Franklin became most famous American in the

world due to his scientific work.– Turned scientific fame into diplomatic success.– Flexibility of mind and breadth of knowledge and vision

served him very well in diplomatic ventures in Europe’s capitals.

– His fame did anger some. He was more famous and people wanted his company more than many in the nations he worked in (including the kings, for example)» His likeness on medallions, paintings, engravings,

even chamber pots. More recognized by sight than even King Louis.

Thomas Jefferson

The Origins of EnlightenmentScience in America: Thomas Jefferson

• Not a scientist like Franklin. More of a student of science and a naturalist.

• Keeper of scientific artifacts– Large collection of fossils in White House (unfinished

East Room)– Bear cubs in pit in back yard of White House from

Lewis and Clark.– Large collection in his home of artifacts from Virginia

and Lewis and Clark.• Inventor- his home a virtual museum of inventions.

The Origins of EnlightenmentNotes on the State of Virginia. • Jefferson’s only book.• Written to attack the theory of degeneration put

forward by French scientist Buffon. Buffon argued that all living things degenerate in the new world due to a variety of conditions. Plants and animals (including humans) smaller and weaker.

• Jefferson attacked this theory. Why?– Buffon wrong and Jefferson knew it.– If believed the theory would hurt immigration.– Implied inferiority of America and Americans.

The Origins of Enlightenment

• Jefferson makes lengthy lists and tables in book with measurements to show degeneration not valid. He made comparisons between conditions in Europe and America, and showed mostly similarities. Later sent a mastodon to Buffon in Europe.

• Spoke highly of Natives. Had clearly studied them and their behavior. Knew much about their language.

The Origins of EnlightenmentStudent of science• Probably only US President to ever read Principia. Widely

read and studied in other scientific works.• Large collection of works of science in his library.• Kept correspondence with scientists from around the world.• Exceptional student of agriculture; inventor of better form

of plow.• President of American Philosophical Society- largely

scientific organization founded by Franklin.• Recorded temp. and barometric pressure every day for 50

years.

“Must Read” Books of the Time

The Origins of Enlightenment

Philosophic:• Most crucial to understanding

the American Revolution:–John Locke

»State of Nature»Natural Rights»Consent of the Governed»Liberty

John Locke (1632-1704)

Letter on TolerationLetter on Toleration, , 1689 1689 Two Treatises ofTwo Treatises ofGovernmentGovernment, 1690, 1690Some ThoughtsSome ThoughtsConcerningConcerningEducationEducation, 1693, 1693The ReasonablenessThe Reasonablenessof Christianityof Christianity, 1695, 1695

John Locke’s Philosophy (I)

The individual must become a The individual must become a ““rationalrationalcreature.creature.””Virtue can be learned and practiced.Virtue can be learned and practiced.Human beings possess free will.Human beings possess free will.

-- they should be prepared for freedom.they should be prepared for freedom.-- obedience should be out of conviction,obedience should be out of conviction,not out of fear.not out of fear.

Legislators owe their power to a Legislators owe their power to a contractcontractwith the people.with the people.Neither kings nor wealth are divinely Neither kings nor wealth are divinely ordained.ordained.

John Locke’s Philosophy (II)

There are certain natural rights There are certain natural rights that are endowed by God to all that are endowed by God to all human beings. human beings.

-- life, liberty, property!life, liberty, property!The doctrine of the Divine Right The doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings was nonsense.of Kings was nonsense.He favored a republic as the best He favored a republic as the best form of government.form of government.

The Philosophe

polymathic-- broad knowledgebroad knowledge

autonomous-- beholden to no one.beholden to no one.

sociable-- worked with other worked with other pphilosopheshilosophes..

moral obligation -- improve society.improve society.-- find the most just and efficientfind the most just and efficient

““systems.systems.”” (economic, political,(economic, political,social)social)

The American “Philosophes”

John AdamsJohn Adams (1745(1745--1826)1826) Ben FranklinBen Franklin

(1706(1706--1790)1790)

ThomasThomas JeffersonJefferson

(1743(1743--1826)1826)

……......……life, liberty, and the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinesshappiness……………………......

What is “Enlightenment?”

ReasonReason & Logic& Logic

TraditionsTraditions andand

SuperstitionsSuperstitions

rationalismrationalismempiricismempiricismtolerancetoleranceskepticismskepticismDeismDeism

nostalgia for the nostalgia for the pastpastorganized organized

religionsreligionsirrationalismirrationalismemotionalismemotionalism

Religion and Science as Partners• The Enlightenment and Great Awakening combine to

EMPOWER citizens. If people can control their salvation, and can control their lives through education, then they can, and should, control their politics. Following the arbitrary rules of a king does not follow reason. People should be able to control their government. All people, not just an aristocracy should have a say in the government- this is a natural right.

• All of these issues, created by the ENLIGHTENMENT and GREAT AWAKENING, helped create the foundation for the American Revolution.