Can anyone tell me what Enlightenment thinkers did back then?

Question

Well its for Social studies, and I have got no clue what effect the Englightenment thinkers did, and what they actually believed in

Answer 1

Jennifer,

First off here is the real definition:

Enlightenment - A philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized the use of reason to scrutinize previously accepted doctrines and traditions and that brought about many humanitarian reforms.

Here is a sample of what you will find in the link below.

'Enlightenment thinkers placed a great premium on the discovery of truth through the observation of nature, rather than through the study of authoritative sources, such as Aristotle and the Bible.'

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761571679/Age_of_Enlightenment.html


I think it was Albert Einstein who said... IQ is not knowing all the answers. It is knowing how to find the answers.

Cool Stuff!

Answer 2

Enlightened thinking is not an automatic process; it is a skill which we learn only if we take the time and make the effort. In fact, enlightened thinking is a process which runs counter to much of the automatic functioning of the mind. For example, our minds usually accept the dogmas and myths of our culture. Most peoples' minds become programmed with the beliefs of their era and society. They don't think for themselves but let their parents, their friends, their favorite TV show, or their nation implant ideas in them. To be able to form sound opinions and make effective decisions, you must know how to think critically. Enlightened thinking begins with recognizing how we have allowed others to think for us, requiring unusual effort. Enlightened thinking involves the careful consideration of multiple points of view and keeping our minds open to alternative sources of information. Unless we work at becoming critical thinkers, the natural tendency is to limit our ideas to only those that are easily available, never really discovering or considering alternative sources of information. As we develop the skill to think critically we learn to suspend judgment until we consider a variety of ideas or plans. Critical thinkers provide support for their beliefs, not merely holding opinion for no reason at all, merely on whim.

Answer 3

Elightenment thought provided the philosophical support for such things as the development of Science and the French and American Revolutions.

The USA, its technology, government and development of its allies can be traced back to the writings of enlightenment thinkers.

Answer 4

If in fact your teacher used the phrase "Enlightenment thinkers" then tell the teacher he/she has just created an oxymoron by using these two terms.

To think is to use ones brain. That physical muscle mass that cannot perceive the existence of the Esoteric realms within Man. To suggest that "thinking" can perceive the subtle and certainly non-physical energies of that which would be referred to as "Enlightenment" is due to ignorance of what Enlightenment means.

Enlightenment means awakening to the Esoteric realms within oneself. In ones Spiritual realm exists Knowledge, and within ones MIND realm exists truths that are relatively of a higher nature than those found on the physical plane of existence, but certainly not absolute in content.

"Back then" means what? That enlightened individuals do not exist today? Or perhaps by combining in an oxymoron Enlightenment and thinking, the teacher is pointing out that many believed themselves to be "enlightened", but only "thought" this?

Peace

Answer 5

They did alot of thinking...! Just kidding, they also were good philosophers with other intellectual minds of the time or with whomever they dwelled with in their community. They loved to barbecue goat meat alot, especially young goats! LOL