(A very brief review of history.) The End of the Enlightenment and the Beginning of the Romantic Movement (A very brief review of history.)

The Enlightenment Philosophers emphasized the use of reason as the best method for learning truth. Began in the 1600’s and lasted until the late 1700’s. Also called The Age of Reason or the Age of Rationalism.

The Scientific Method Leaders of the Enlightenment relied heavily on the scientific method – emphasis on experimentation and careful observation. Important advances in such fields as anatomy, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Greatly influenced by discoveries in physical sciences, such as the law of falling bodies (Galileo) and the laws of gravitation and motion (Newton).

Beliefs The scientific method could be applied to the study of human nature. Exploration into education, law, philosophy, and politics. Attacked tyranny, social injustice, superstition, and ignorance. Belief that mathematics was the model that all other sciences should follow.

The Worship of Reason Human beings have a unique advantage overall other creatures because they can reason. Credited reason for all the achievements made in science and philosophy. Contrasted reason with ignorance, superstition, and uncritical acceptance of authority.

Reason Was thought to be the power that enables people to “see” mathematical truths. Universal truths Rational will. Acting on impulse is the result of an improper education. Nature is vast and complex, but well ordered.

Deism The universe could be understood by the human mind. Belief that after God had created the universe, He left it strictly alone. Rules out the possibility of miracles or other special acts by God. God regulated nature so that it proceeds mechanically. Therefore, future events are predictable on the basis of earlier events.

A shift occurs. . . Toward the end of the 1700’s, a great change in people’s outlook occurred. Valued feeling rather than reason and to prefer passion, individuality, and spontaneity as opposed to discipline, order, and control. The Romantic period fought against two ideas: Period of Enlightenment Industrial revolution

Romanticism Emphasizes passion over reason. Emphasizes imagination and intuition over logic. Favors full expression of emotion and free, spontaneous action rather than restraint and order. Late 1700’s to mid-1800’s. Nature is a living spirit, attuned to human feelings of love and compassion. Stresses freedom for the individual.

Romanticism in Literature To escape from modern life, many writers wrote about remote and faraway places, the medieval past, folklore and legends, nature and the common people, and the supernatural. Gothic novel – a type of horror story, filled with violence and supernatural effects, and set against a background of gloomy medieval Gothic castles.

Romanticism and Society Rousseau – people are naturally good but have been corrupted by the institutions of civilization. Noble savage – unspoiled by luxury and sophistication. In a virtuous society, children would grow up honest and free. The revolutions in America and France during the late 1700’s were influenced by Romantic ideals. Influenced educational theory and practice. Associated with economic and social reform, especially in the U.S.