The Revolutionary Period: THE AGE OF REASON

What then is the American, this new man? -- Crevecoeur

Science in the New World: What resulted from the period of Enlightenment? The attitude that all knowledge can be gained by the power of our reason

What is reason? The ability to think in an ordered, logical way

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following : understand the logical connections between ideas identify, construct and evaluate arguments detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning solve problems systematically identify the relevance and importance of ideas reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following: understand the logical connections between ideas  identify, construct and evaluate arguments  detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning  solve problems systematically  identify the relevance and importance of ideas  reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values

A Case Study: Cotton Mather and the Smallpox Vaccine (1663 – 1725)

In 1721, a ship from the West Indies docked in Boston. In addition to bringing sugar and molasses, this ship carried smallpox. Cotton Mather (1663 – 1721) was a puritan minister, an old style Puritan.

But Mather was also interested in science and medicine. When the smallpox epidemic occurred, Mather was working on the first American medical scholarly essay. Mather had heard of a method for dealing with smallpox called inoculation.

What is inoculation? Doctors infect people with fluid containing the virus, giving them a mild case of the disease. This made them immune to later outbreaks.

Boston’s medical community was opposed to such an experiment. They felt human beings were daring to do the work of God. The clergy supported Mather. Mather’s house was bombed. Mather inoculated 300 people. Only six died.

What does Cotton Mather exemplify about the early Americans? They had to make do with what they had, and they had to get results.

Experiment proved that people can be guided by religion and science. It also proved that a practical approach to social change and scientific research was a necessity.

The Age of Reason in America: Rationalism is the belief that we can arrive at truth by using our reason. God’s special gift to humanity = reason - The ability to THINK in an ordered, logical way. “I think, therefore I am.”- Descartes

Rationalists view God as “a clockmaker who, having created the perfect mechanism of the universe, then left his creation to run on its own.” – Sir Isaac Newton God won’t interfere; don’t ask him to

Deism: God made the world, then stepped back God gave man the ability to think Man is basically good God’s objective was the happiness of his creatures Worship meant to serve others Souls are immortal Punishment and reward in the afterlife

American Literature in the Age of Reason: Most of the literature is rooted in REALITY rather than IMAGINATION Best minds are concentrating on SOCIAL, POLITICAL, and SCIENTIFIC improvements – living conditions, government, etc.

The most common forms of literature in the Age of Reason include: –Pamphlets –Speeches –Essays –Letters –Some poems and ballads (but are used to urge Americans into political action)

Prominent writers: –Ben Franklin “The Autobiography”, “Sayings of Poor Richard” –Patrick Henry “Speech to the Virginia Convention” –Thomas Paine “Common Sense”, “The Crisis” –Thomas Jefferson “Declaration of Independence”

Puritanism vs. Rationalism: Attitudes towards Freedom Puritanism Sin to speak out against Theocracy Rationalism Strong desire for freedom of speech Freedom to experiment, question laws and institutions

Puritanism vs. Rationalism: Literature and Writing Puritanism Religious Subjects – concerned with the afterlife Rationalism Writing based on science, ethics, government, happenings; social and political improvements Intended to serve practical and political ends

Puritanism vs. Rationalism: Philosophy Puritanism Theocracy Original Sin Rationalism Humans can manage themselves and society without depending on authorities of the past or religion Humans are basically good