...Abstract The Enlightenment era is made up of on rational thought, ideas and reason. Many men contributed to this, but a few amongst them are Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Their wisdom and ideas make up the Enlightenment era to which is the backbone of today’s society. The Enlightenment Starting in the mid 1700’s to 1800’s a movement had set in based on rational thought and reason, it was known as the Enlightenment era also known as the Age of Reason. This era created ideas that shaped the political, economic and social institutions in the United States. Men in this era such as Thomas Paine, who was a politician and philosopher, Thomas Jefferson our third president as well as an apostle of agrarian, and Benjamin Franklin, author, scientist, philosopher, and statesman. All these men emphasize the importance of using reason and logic instead of superstition or ignorance. They focus on creating and writing, science, politics and other subjects in this era which influence decades to come (Age of Enlightenment, 2011). In today’s society these ideas have become relevant. Thomas Paine influences the Enlightenment politically and socially, because of his beliefs he was damned by many people in both America and England. Thomas Paine was born in England; he was a corset maker and excise officer in England, although showed interested in philosophy and science. He later in life then met up with Benjamin Franklin in London and soon after he sailed to Philadelphia...
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...Shaila Sabusa Dr. Klym English 1101 1 September 2013 Cultural Enlightenment Foods are one thing that everyone loves. It is also what brings us together, no matter what culture or race. As I have seen around me, even myself, people try foods they think are unique and will interest them because they want to try it and by doing so they get to understand the cultural enlightenment. Many people may disagree with me by saying that no one can get cultural enlightenment by trying foods, but I beg to differ and say yes you do. When going to any traditional restaurant you dress a way so you show yourself presentable. As we enter the restaurant you see the environment is set and based on the cultural aspect of where the food comes from. Sometimes your waiters may dress a certain type of way to fit in and at other places they may not. Just by entering and seeing we have been cultural enlightened. I have been through the enlightenment process which I thought Syrian food would worry me by the way it looked, where it came from, how it was prepared and overall if I was going to like it or not. The dish I had was Fatti Dajaj (chicken fatti). Syrian food is rich in vegetables, grains, fruits, beans, nuts and aromatic spices. These are some main ingredients used in every dish that they make. To add to the flavoring lemons, onion, garlic, mint and parsley are garnished on top of the food to give the food the savory taste. This dish is one of the most famous and distinctive Syrian dish. It...
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...The Enlightenment of America After the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century, America underwent an intellectual shift known as the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment Period rejected traditional social and religious ideas and emphasized on man’s ability to reason. Also, various philosophers of that time period contributed to forming the foundation of the American Revolution. Influenced by the philosophical ideas of Montesquieu (1689-1755), the American Revolution came into fruition and became not only a war of freedom from British rule but also a war that capitalized on political theories such as liberty and equality. In liberty, Montesquieu introduces his concept of individual rights. Lastly, in equality, Montesquieu introduces his idea of separation of powers in government. Before one can comprehend the theories of Montesquieu, one must first understand the philosopher Montesquieu. Montesquieu, a French philosopher, highly believed in a liberal government and had a high interest in law. Born from an aristocratic family, Montesquieu attended the University of Bordeaux and obtained a law degree. After his uncle’s death, Montesquieu became the Président à Mortier in the Parliament of Bordeaux. The position mainly dealt with judicial and administrative matters. Because this was a high administrative position, Montesquieu was more involved with the schematics of government. This is perhaps where Montesquieu drawn one of his major political theories: equality. The quote...
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...The Age of Enlightenment The self-proclaimed Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a period notable for its substantial cultural and scientific developments, that took place mainly during the eighteenth century. It was a time when the scholarly class of Western Europe left behind Church dogma in the process of formulating philosophical ideas as well as scientific theories. It was substituted with reason. Notably, political ideas that were extremely radical for the time propagated throughout Europe and eventually led to the revolutions of France and the United States. Also, modern science further implanted itself into the mainstream. The roots of the entire movement date back to the time of the great Ancient Greek philosophers and scientists, specifically to such great thinkers as Aristotle and Plato. In Western Europe, from the time of the Middle Ages until then, Aristotelian science had remained the extent of scientific knowledge. It had long been lost due to the chaos of the Dark Ages, but it was “rediscovered” in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries through contact with Muslim influence and Byzantine scholars. During the late years of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, scholars set out to improve upon Aristotelian and Platonic ideas. [1] The Renaissance gave a basis for the Age of Enlightenment to continue on. The Humanist movement during the Renaissance started to slightly move away from the Church. Although most Humanists were...
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...Although the Enlightment Period has similarities relating to the Romantic Period, they also have several differences between one another. During the Enlightment Period, people believed that the natural world and even human behavior could be explained scientifically. On the other hand, the Romantics rejected the entire idea of science. In fact, those of the Romantic Period actually had a valid point. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor attempts to regenerate a human back to life by using science; however, his ill-planned idea came back to haunt him for eternity. We find ourselves on the precipice of a scientific breakthrough. Mankind is now using genetic engineering, stem cell research and even cloning to play God in today’s society. Genetic engineering refers to the...
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...21st Century Enlightenment Emily M Sheridan ABS417: Community Organizing & Development (COI1319B) Michellda Bradshaw 5/21/2013 The world is always changing around us whether we can see these changes or not. Margaret Mead was an American cultural anthropologist who stated “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. In this paper I will discuss my thoughts on the video and how it supports Margaret Mead’s statement. I also will discuss social change, progressive organizing, and community organizing. I will then discuss some ways in which citizens can respond to social problems. Last I will consider the quote, “Activism is living out one’s values” and how it relates to how social changes align with people’s values. The video 21st Century Enlightenment discusses the process of people’s consciousness and our belief systems, what ones serve us and which ones our outdated, and our awareness of oneself. Understanding human behaviors with an evidence base such as how humans have bad long term decision making skills is an important aspect to the 21st century enlightenment. The video also discusses the importance for improvement in a worldwide need for more empathy towards others. The video also talks about many different dynamics that go into solving the problems today and also look ahead to sustainability for the whole world. I feel that by looking at our values, norms, and lifestyles...
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...The Enlightment was a new idealistic and intellectual movement in the Eighteenth Century that pursued progress for humanity through religious, political and social reforms. I strongly agree with the fact that the Enlightment was essentially the product of educated European men and women who wrote about real problems of the world to an exclusive audience that eventually involved all social classes. Although the Enlightment was born in the salons of France, it rapidly spread across Europe and eventually to Great Britain’s North American colonies. For that reason, I do not completely agree with the statement from the assignment prompt that states “that the Enlightment was essentially the product of educated French men…” The Enlightment flourished in places such as France where people were tired of a tyrannical monarchy and were in search for a representative government that respected and guaranteed individual’s freedom. Shortly, philosophes from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria joined the French in their effort to encourage reforms and freedom (Hunt, 596). Unified by these ideas, the philosophes spread knowledge through hand-written letters, printed books and pamphlets that encouraged reform in every aspect of their lives. These ideas changed the way in which citizens became more aware of the real problems of their countries and governments became more accountable for their action; in countries such as Britain and France, ordinary people rebelled when...
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...something and not questioning its reasoning to why it is what it is but just accepting without a doubt it is the only understanding.In my belief of enlightment ,i believe that enlightment can be achieved through one’s own rationalism and true understanding that is made from free will and not created by the will of others.This would result in a method of thinking outside the box when a person is left to judge them selves on what is and what could be.But towards this path of enlightment may cause distress to the societys belief of enlightment , which is believed to be to believe what is told to them ,such as seeing a news story and believing every word of the story without doing research yourself. In the allegory of the cave my interpretation of the lesson is that the cave represented societys definition of enlightment or humans mentality of being manipulated easily ,and that we should break from the mentality of completly believing what we are told by the media and other sources of government information,and to actually discover what is reality. For example when the philospher was released from his chains and discovered what was outside the cave his whole mentality of the cave changed from being the only source of intelligence to actually seeing the objects and shadows displayed for what they really were.But Reaching enlightment may lead to sympthony to others who havent reached it and will be difficult to teach to others who are restrained by the peer pressure of only using...
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...that represented the universe and the decline of the authority of the Catholic Church. This all would soon lead into a new era of obtaining knowledge known as the Enlightment, the Age of Reason. The most dominant religion during the fifteen century was Roman Catholicism. The clergy were the only ones who had the power to say if a person could make it to heaven or not, and anyone who opposed them was severely...
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...there is no self, but instead there are separate, ever-changing components that make up who we are. Defining one’s “self” would mean adhering to whatever our role or composition is today, which will certainly change in due time. This dependency followed by change would inflict suffering - what Buddhists live to avoid. (Silver, 2012) iii. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – Buddhists believe that their main goal is life is to end suffering by ending desire. According to this religion, humans suffer because they desire and hold on to things that are temporary and will eventually vanish. The purpose in life of the Buddhist is to follow the Eightfold Path – as directed by the fourth of the Four Noble Truths – to end suffering and attain enlightment. (Religion Facts, 2005) iv. The Question of Morality – Buddhism answers the question of morality with the term sila, which is the natural condition of goodness that we were born with. They attempt to preserve their sila and avoid being altered by worldly influences. Buddhists follow the five precepts as a moral guide: abstaining from the destruction of life, from taking that which is not given, from sexual misconduct, from falsehood, and from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness. (Plamintr) v. The Question of Destiny – Buddhists work towards reaching the state of Nirvana as their ultimate destiny. They believe in practicing good deeds to attain...
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..."Enlightened One". He was an Indian prince named Siddharta Gautama who was born around 500 BCE. According to the buddhist scriptures, the young prince lived an opulent and luxurious life until he went on a journey which completely changed his aim of life. During his journey, he saw an old man, a poor man, a corpse and a sick man. He was disturbed and anguished at seeing this site and decided to leave his affluent life only to take on a journey less travelled. He lived a sheltered life and after seeing the suffering in the world, Gautama left his family to search for enlightement through asceticism. But even the most extreme austerity Gautama failed to bring enlightment. He did not give up as he sat under a tree and vowed not to move from that place until he had accomplished enlightment. He succeded as he attained enlightment after few days of meditation. Buddha spent rest of his life teaching the principles of buddhism which included the path to liberation from suffering(the Dharma) and establishing a community of monks called the...
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...Buddhism Teachings of the Buddha -denies the existence of a personal creator God -denies the existence of an individual soul. The belief is central to the Buddhist concept of impermanence. -the self is made up of the five skandas which are constantly changing: -the body -feelings -perceptions -Desires (dispositions) -consciousness Scriptures: -the Tripitaka : the earliest of collection of Buddhist teachings Tripitaka means three baskets. Mahayans Sutras: reveres the tripikata as a sacred text. Sutras reflect distinctively Mahayana concepts. Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra: most important to Mahayana. TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD The Tibetan Book of the Dead is most well known to the West. Written by a Tibetan Monk. If chronicles the experiences and religious opportunities a person encounters at various stages” while dying, at the moment of death, during the 49-day interval between death and rebirth, and at rebirth! THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS 1. Life is Suffering – Dukkha * Physical, emotional, and spiritual pain are a part of all human existence * This includes the experience of sometimes feeling alienated or out of place in the world * Buddhism begins with acknowledging this fundamental human reality * Enjoyment is understood in relation to its opposite * Annica – impermanence, everything in the universe is in a state of decay THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS The Cause of Suffering is Attachment –Tanha We get attached to people, things...
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...“THINKING IS EASY. ACTION IS DIFFICULT. THE MOST DIFFICULT THING IS TO PUT A THOUGHT INTO ACTION “ Good after noon to one and all. I am N.GOWTHAM of 4th EEE. It is a wonderful moment for me to express my views about the successful journey in this great institute. I feel proud of being the student of such a reputable institute, to my mind the collage management has provided umpteen facilities for the empowerment and enlightment of the student communities. There are many opportunities and programs to be a part of …… I am an active participant of such programs…… As a student of electrical department, I had taken part of establishment of 400kw solar power plant which is the only future resource. It provided an interface to gain knowledge in the production of electricity. Similarly I participated in the activity of English club which helped me strengthen my communication. Apart from these there are also many creative platforms to build a better personality now as a final year student, my main goal is to be placed in top notch companies. Our collage has an efficient and energetic team of campus recruitment trainers who train the students in campus recruitments. I am confident that I will achieve my goal. The favorite place in the collage is our library which contains vast collection of books and magazines which enhances our knowledge horizon. I conclude by saying that “ I am very fortunate to associate with such a great educational institute and welcome u all...
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...'PETERSON DESIR PROF: SMITH-PETER CLASS: HST- 275 Catherine the Great was and remains one of the most important figures in Russian history. During her thirty-four-year reign Russia has greatly prospered not only materially , but more importantly intellectually, which played a vital role in the modernization or the westernization of Russia a couple centuries later. Evidently, analyzing her long reign through the prism of what is considered as democracy today, one could depict its very faults and blemishes. However, we should view her reign as it was then , but not as it should have been nowadays. Whether somebody coined it as an enlightened absolutism, the real truth remained : Catherine the Great has brought Enlightenment to Russia, the European Enlightenment. What was it, Enlightenment?- It was a philosophical movement that greatly fostered rational thinking, the use of science over traditions and superstitions, and also promoted freedom ,security and equality before law for all people. Catherine was thrilled by such great ideas. She devoted herself to reading and established a great line of correspondence with the true leaders of the movement such as Voltaire, Diderot, Bossuet,etc..In her letters, she overtly expressed her intention of becoming an adept of the movement. She started in creating schools and reforming the educational system. She Turned to Voltaire for advice. As an Enlightenment's follower, she was deeply interested...
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...'PETERSON DESIR PROF: SMITH-PETER CLASS: HST- 275 Catherine the Great was and remains one of the most important figures in Russian history. During her thirty-four-year reign Russia has greatly prospered not only materially , but more importantly intellectually, which played a vital role in the modernization or the westernization of Russia a couple centuries later. Evidently, analyzing her long reign through the prism of what is considered as democracy today, one could depict its very faults and blemishes. However, we should view her reign as it was then , but not as it should have been nowadays. Whether somebody coined it as an enlightened absolutism, the real truth remained : Catherine the Great has brought Enlightenment to Russia, the European Enlightenment. What was it, Enlightenment?- It was a philosophical movement that greatly fostered rational thinking, the use of science over traditions and superstitions, and also promoted freedom ,security and equality before law for all people. Catherine was thrilled by such great ideas. She devoted herself to reading and established a great line of correspondence with the true leaders of the movement such as Voltaire, Diderot, Bossuet,etc..In her letters, she overtly expressed her intention of becoming an adept of the movement. She started in creating schools and reforming the educational system. She Turned to Voltaire for advice. As an Enlightenment's follower, she was deeply interested...
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