What were the cultural impacts of the Enlightenment?

What were the cultural impacts of the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th to 19th centuries, emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, leading to significant cultural shifts.

Can you give examples of how it influenced art and literature?

Certainly! The Enlightenment inspired works like Voltaire's 'Candide' and Rousseau's 'The Social Contract', promoting ideas of freedom and human rights.

How did it affect education and science?

It led to the establishment of public education systems and the scientific method, fostering critical thinking and empirical research.

Were there any negative consequences of the Enlightenment?

Yes, while it promoted progress, it also contributed to colonialism and the marginalization of non-Western cultures.

What legacy did the Enlightenment leave for modern society?

The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democracy, human rights, and secularism, influencing contemporary political and social thought.