The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period encouraged critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge, leading to significant advancements in various fields such as science, politics, and literature, including the works of notable figures like Voltaire and Rousseau. Its principles laid the groundwork for many social reforms and the eventual questioning of social hierarchies, influencing thinkers like Phillis Wheatley and Jupiter Hammon.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was pivotal in promoting the idea that individuals could think for themselves and challenge established norms.
2. Key Enlightenment ideas were rooted in the belief that human beings are capable of reason and rational thought, leading to advancements in democracy and civil rights.
3. Wheatley’s poetry often reflects Enlightenment values by using reasoned arguments to advocate for the dignity of African Americans and their capacity for intellect.
4. Jupiter Hammon, another influential figure of this period, used his writing to challenge perceptions of African Americans as inferior, resonating with Enlightenment ideals of equality.
5. The movement contributed to the abolitionist discourse, as its emphasis on human rights inspired arguments against slavery and inequality.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the works of Wheatley and Hammon in terms of their themes and messages?
  • The Enlightenment influenced both Wheatley and Hammon by encouraging them to articulate their thoughts on freedom, intellect, and humanity. Wheatley’s poetry often echoed Enlightenment ideals by promoting the notion that African Americans possessed the same intellectual capabilities as their white counterparts. Similarly, Hammon utilized his writings to emphasize moral arguments against slavery and to assert the dignity of Black individuals, embodying the Enlightenment's push for rational discourse on social justice.
• In what ways did Enlightenment thinkers challenge traditional authority, and how did this reflect in the writings of Wheatley and Hammon?
  • Enlightenment thinkers challenged traditional authority by advocating for reason over superstition and individual rights over hierarchical structures. This shift is evident in Wheatley’s poetry, where she confronts societal norms regarding race and slavery by asserting her own worth as a poet. Hammon's writings similarly question societal norms by appealing to moral reasoning against slavery, showcasing how Enlightenment ideals directly influenced their advocacy for justice and equality.
• Evaluate the impact of the Enlightenment on societal views regarding race and intellectual capability in relation to Wheatley and Hammon's contributions.
  • The Enlightenment had a profound impact on societal views about race and intellectual capability by introducing ideas that emphasized rationality as a universal trait. Wheatley’s eloquent poetry challenged stereotypes about African Americans by proving her intellectual prowess, while Hammon's work presented moral arguments against slavery grounded in Enlightenment principles. Together, they contributed to a growing recognition that intellect is not confined to race but is a shared human quality, which played a role in shifting perceptions towards greater equality during their time.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophy that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, often contrasting with religious or dogmatic beliefs.

Humanism: An intellectual movement that focuses on human values, potential, and achievements, often associated with a renewed interest in classical literature and philosophy.

Social Contract: A political theory suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form societies and governments for mutual benefit.