FRENCH ENLIGHTENMENT Meaning and
Definition
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The French Enlightenment refers to a cultural and intellectual movement that flourished in France during the 18th century, emphasizing reason, rationality, and scientific thinking as the means to advance society and challenge traditional authority. Also known as the Age of Enlightenment, it represented a critical shift from religious and absolutist views towards a more secular and humanistic perspective.
During this period, French philosophers, writers, and thinkers emerged as influential figures who championed ideas of individual liberty, freedom of speech, and equality. The French Enlightenment was characterized by an emphasis on progress, with proponents promoting the idea that knowledge and human reason could lead to social, political, and economic improvements. Intellectuals such as Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Denis Diderot, and Montesquieu spearheaded this movement through their writings, which questioned existing social structures, challenged traditional institutions, and criticized religious dogmas.
The French Enlightenment played a significant role in shaping the ideals that would eventually shape the French Revolution. The movement sought to undermine the authority of the monarchy and the Catholic Church while advocating for democratic principles of governance and religious tolerance. Additionally, it had profound impacts on various fields, including philosophy, literature, politics, and science, by promoting rational thought, empirical observation, and the exchange of ideas.
In summary, the French Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that prized reason, knowledge, and critical thinking over traditional beliefs and institutions. It contributed to the development of liberal, secular, and democratic values that influenced subsequent social and political movements both in France and around the world.
Etymology of FRENCH ENLIGHTENMENT
The term "French Enlightenment" refers to a period in France's history characterized by intellectual and philosophical advances. The etymology of the term can be broken down into two parts:
1. French: The word "French" comes from the Old English word "frenchis", which originated from the Latin word "franciscus". It refers to the people, language, and culture of France.
2. Enlightenment: The word "enlightenment" finds its roots in the Middle English word "enlightnen", meaning "to illuminate". It is derived from the Old English word "inlīhtan", which also means "to enlighten". The term "Enlightenment" specifically refers to the intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, emphasizing reason, scientific thinking, and skepticism towards traditional authority.
