Enlightenment

Definition

Enlightenment refers to an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by an emphasis on reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period marked a significant shift in thinking about human rights, governance, and the role of knowledge, leading to the questioning of established norms and practices in various fields, including interviewing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment encouraged the use of reason over tradition, significantly impacting how interviews were conducted by promoting open dialogue and critical questioning.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment, like Voltaire and Rousseau, influenced the way people thought about authority and personal rights, which later affected how interviewers approached their subjects.
3. The movement laid the groundwork for modern democratic ideals, emphasizing transparency and accountability in communication practices, including interviewing.
4. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the importance of education and informed consent, which are crucial elements in ethical interviewing practices today.
5. The emphasis on individual perspectives during the Enlightenment led to more personal and subjective approaches in interviewing, valuing the interviewee's experience as significant.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas shift perspectives on authority in the context of interviewing?
  • Enlightenment ideas promoted skepticism toward traditional authority figures, which led to a more egalitarian approach in interviewing. Interviewers began to view interviewees as individuals with their own rights and perspectives rather than simply subjects to be interrogated. This shift encouraged more open dialogue, allowing for a better understanding of the interviewee's experiences and viewpoints.
• In what ways did the principles of humanism during the Enlightenment impact the ethics of interviewing?
  • Humanism emphasized the value of individual experiences and inherent dignity, which significantly impacted ethical interviewing practices. This focus led interviewers to prioritize respect for interviewees' autonomy and perspectives. Humanistic principles encouraged transparency, informed consent, and a commitment to treating interviewees with dignity throughout the interview process.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Enlightenment thinking on contemporary interviewing methods and practices.
  • The Enlightenment's focus on reason, individualism, and skepticism has profoundly influenced contemporary interviewing methods by fostering an environment where diverse voices are valued and respected. Modern interviewing techniques often incorporate elements like active listening, empathy, and critical questioning—all rooted in Enlightenment principles. This legacy continues to shape how interviews are conducted today, emphasizing ethical standards and a deeper understanding of interviewee narratives within various contexts.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, contrasting with empiricism which relies on sensory experience.

Humanism: A worldview that focuses on human values and concerns, advocating for the potential of human beings to shape their own lives and destinies.

Skepticism: An approach that questions accepted beliefs or claims, encouraging a critical examination of evidence before accepting any conclusions.