Benito Jerónimo Feijóo y Montenegro (1676-1764) was a notable Spanish Benedictine monk, scholar, and rationalist who played a significant role in the Spanish Enlightenment. He is best known for his works that promoted scientific thought and skepticism toward superstition and traditional beliefs, which were prevalent in his time.
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was an American statesman, inventor, scientist, printer, and writer who is one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He played a crucial role in the American Enlightenment and the development of the nation. Franklin is best known for his contributions to the fields of electricity, politics, and diplomacy. His famous experiments with electricity led to the invention of the lightning rod, and he made significant contributions to the understanding of electrical phenomena.
Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle (1657–1757) was a French author, philosopher, and member of the Académie Française. He is best known for his writings on science and philosophy, which helped popularize the ideas of the scientific revolution for a broader audience.
Bernard Nieuwentyt (1642–1718) was a Dutch theologian, natural philosopher, and author known primarily for his work in the field of science and philosophy, particularly during the early Enlightenment period. He is noted for his writings on various subjects, including the relationship between science and religion, and is often associated with the early development of the scientific method.
The Bowood Circle is a term used in the context of British literature and culture, referring specifically to a literary and social group of artists, writers, and intellectuals associated with Bowood House in Wiltshire, England. Bowood House was the residence of the Lansdowne family, notably the 4th Earl of Lansdowne, and it became a gathering place for prominent figures in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Charles-Augustin de Ferriol d'Argental (1648–1722) was a notable French diplomat and nobleman during the reign of Louis XIV. He is best known for his role as an ambassador, particularly for his missions to the Ottoman Empire. His diplomatic career included the negotiation of various treaties and attempts to strengthen France's position in international affairs.
Christian Thomasius (1655–1728) was a German philosopher, lawyer, and publicist, known for his contributions to the development of modern legal and philosophical thought. He is often recognized as one of the key figures in the early Enlightenment period, particularly in Germany. Thomasius is best known for advocating the separation of law and morality, which was a significant departure from the views of earlier scholars who often conflated the two.
Counter-Enlightenment refers to a set of philosophical and ideological movements and ideas that emerged as a reaction against the principles and values of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, which spanned the late 17th to the 18th centuries, emphasized reason, individualism, empiricism, and the belief in progress through science and rational thought. It championed ideas such as human rights, democratic governance, secularism, and the universality of knowledge.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted in France in 1789 during the early stages of the French Revolution, is a foundational document that articulates the principles of individual and collective rights. It was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the American Declaration of Independence and emphasizes the rights inherent to all human beings. Key points of the declaration include: 1. **Equality**: It asserts that all men are born free and equal in rights.
"Dialectic of Enlightenment" is a philosophical work written by Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno, first published in 1944. The book explores the paradox of enlightenment: while the Enlightenment project aimed to liberate humanity through reason and science, Horkheimer and Adorno argue that it has also led to new forms of domination and alienation.
Diego de Torres Villarroel (1694–1770) was a Spanish writer, poet, and mathematician, best known for his contributions to literature in the 18th century. He is particularly recognized for his autobiographical work "Vida," in which he details his life experiences, thoughts, and encounters with various historical figures of his time.
Dinicu Golescu (1810–1874) was a notable Romanian politician, writer, and advocate for social and political reform in the 19th century. He is particularly known for his contributions to Romanian literature and his role in the country's cultural and political movements during a time of significant upheaval and change. He was a member of the Golescu family, a prominent noble family that had a significant influence in Romania.
Dugald Stewart (1753–1828) was a Scottish philosopher and a significant figure in the Scottish Enlightenment. He is best known for his work in the fields of philosophy, particularly in moral philosophy and epistemology, and for his contributions to the development of modern philosophical thought in Scotland. Stewart was educated at the University of Edinburgh and later became a professor there, where he taught philosophy.
Education in the Age of Enlightenment, which spanned roughly from the late 17th century to the late 18th century, was characterized by a profound shift in thought and philosophy that emphasized reason, individualism, and empirical evidence. This period marked a transition from traditional forms of learning, which were often religiously oriented and focused on classical texts, to more secular, human-centered educational approaches.
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic best known for his writings on theology and the afterlife. Trained as an engineer and a natural philosopher, Swedenborg made significant contributions to various fields, including anatomy, physics, and astronomy, but he is most recognized for his spiritual writings.
The "Encyclopédie" is a monumental work of the Enlightenment period, edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, and published in France between 1751 and 1772. It is one of the most significant contributions to the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment and represents a comprehensive compilation of knowledge across various fields, including science, philosophy, and the arts.
The term "Encyclopédistes" refers to the group of French writers, philosophers, and intellectuals associated with the creation of the "Encyclopédie," a monumental work of the 18th century that sought to compile and disseminate knowledge across various fields. This project was edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert and involved contributions from hundreds of authors.
Enlightened absolutism, also known as benevolent absolutism, is a political system that emerged in the 18th century, primarily in Europe, characterized by the adoption of Enlightenment principles by absolute monarchs. These rulers sought to apply reason, science, and rationality to governance while maintaining their absolute power.