Classicism (1700s-1800s) (Also known as the Age of Reason or Rationalism)

Definition Adherence to traditional standards such a simplicity, restraint, moderation, and personal freedom that are universally and enduringly valid Emphasis on logical, rational thought.

I.ENLIGHTENMENT - The belief that we, as humans, can arrive at the truth by using our reason rather than relying on the authority of the past, religious faith or on intuition. Reason takes precedence over authority.

II. DEISM - the belief that God’s will does not control the universe; God gave man reason in order to choose and create his destiny. Deists believe that God created the universe, then disassociated himself from his creation. God acts as an “absentee landlord.”

“Members of the United Deist Community hold the belief that God is discovered through Reason – but the task of discovery is never over. We each pursue a lifelong intellectual odyssey” Excerpt from the United Deist Community web site.United Deist Community web site “My mind is my church.” - Thomas Paine

Deists believe that: 1. God is not accessed through organized religion or a set of beliefs 2. God has not selected a chosen people (e.g. Jews or Christians) to be the recipients of any special revelation or gifts. 3. They believe that miracles do not happen; the "world operates by natural and self-sustaining laws of the creator." 4. Deists pray, but only to express their appreciation to God for his works. They generally do not ask for special privileges.

III. CLASSICISM/RATIONALISM based on Enlightenment & Deism BELIEFS: 1. Faith in natural goodness – man is basically good, born without sin; the concept of tabula rasa or blank slate. 2. Perfectibility of a human being – every individual can achieve perfection through reason (and it is possible to improve situations of birth, economy, society, and religion) 3. The sovereignty of reason - Rene Descartes’ “I think, therefore, I am.” God gave people the ability to think in a logical, ordered manner. Reason takes precedence over authority. 4. Universal benevolence - the attitude of helping everyone; everyone can achieve happiness through helping others 5. Clarity, order and balance are ideal qualities – the universe created by God is orderly and good.

IV. CLASSICIST LITERATURE 1.Rooted in reason and reality, and not God and the imagination. 2.A searching inquiry in all aspects of the world around. nature, science and experiments social and political inquiry 3. Constant search of the self - emphasis on individualism in Personal religion Study of the Bible for personal interpretation

Common forms of Classicist Literature: Pamphlets Speeches Newspaper Articles Journals Almanacs Letters Essays

What are the major differences between Puritanism and Classicism?