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The Enlightenment

Explore the pivotal era of the Enlightenment, where thinkers like John Locke and Matthew Tindal questioned Christian authority and the role of reason in human understanding. As descendants of the Reformation, they critiqued traditional beliefs, emphasizing the importance of human reason as a pathway to knowledge and progress. This discussion touches on the ideas of René Descartes, advocating for skepticism towards established authorities, and the emergence of concepts like natural religion and Deism. Engage with the philosophical inquiries that shaped modern thought.

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The Enlightenment

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  1. The Enlightenment John Locke and Matthew Tindal

  2. Back in Europe • Huge challenges posed to Christianity • Continues an aspect of the Reformation • Critique authority • Reformation: scripture is highest authority • Enlightenment: how do we know this? Why should we accept this?

  3. Forerunner: Descartes • Rene Descartes (1596-1650) • Philosopher, mathematician • “I think, therefore I am” • How do we know anything? How can we be certain? • Don’t simply trust authorities; doubt all received authority and knowledge • “Raze everything to the ground, begin again from the original foundations” • He knew he doubted; he thought, and he knew his own existence

  4. Enlightenment themes • Confidence in the abilities of human reason (to enlighten people) • How had they been in darkness? • Religion is useful when it serves morality • But not the focus on supernatural, miracles, etc., because these things cannot be explained by reason • Human reason leads to human progress • Through science, empiricism, knowledge • Humanity is progressing from primitive stages to an advanced stage

  5. John Locke • Meaning of title? • What are his questions? • What role does reason play in his thought? • Is this a “reasonable” reading?

  6. Matthew Tindal • What is natural religion? (Deism) • What does reason do? What is it capable of? • How does Tindal interpret the Biblical story (creation, law)? • How do human beings become the center of the story (cf. Placher)?

  7. For next time • Kant, “What Is Enlightenment?” • Why don’t people think for themselves? • What kind of religion does Kant favor? • What is enlightenment?

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