Introduction
The Enlightenment or the Age of Reason describes the movement which took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, and which promoted a new way of thinking. People were used to taking for granted promoted ideas, without questioning their accuracy. However, this movement presented a drastic rupture from traditionally appreciated beliefs and encouraged a more progressive way of thinking, based on discovery and exploration. This estrangement marked a turning point in multiple fields, such as science, religion and medicine, which benefited from refreshing and pioneering ideas.
John Locke
One of the most important Enlightenment thinkers, Locke set the groundwork for democracy. He strongly believed that the government’s power is derived from the people and that if the government does not conform and respect its country, the people have the right to overthrow it and choose a new one. He also believed that everyone is born with three human rights: life, liberty and property.
Thomas Hobbes
Contrary to Locke, Hobbes expressed his beliefs concerning the role of the government. He agreed that the absolute monarchy sets rules and order among people, without which the country would find itself in chaos.
Jean Jacque-Rousseau
Another critical thinker for this period, a French writer who made his voice heard all around the world, Rousseau insisted on the idea that every man is born free and everyone is equal. “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains”. Like Locke he believed in the right of the people to take decisions regarding an abusive and corrupt government. His ideas put the foundation to democracy and human rights, thus helping the world move forward.
Galileo Galilei
Known for his findings in physics, astronomy and other fields, Galilei is an important figure of the Enlightenment. He saw exploration as a necessity for the development of science fields. He also sustained Copernicus’s heliocentric theory, which appreciated the sun as the centre of the solar system, the other planets revolving around it.
Conclusion
The Enlightenment ideas were needed to revolutionise and bring novelty. They changed the way people thought. Thus, people engaged in discovering themselves what is accurate and what is not. Several domains underwent change and advancements. This allowed people to see a problem from different points of view and explore new ideas. This movement helped humanity notice the need for change and identify problems regarding multiple domains.
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