1. Age of Reason - Enlightenment Rationalism Deism Self-examination

2. Rationalism belief that humans can arrive at truth by using reason, rather than relying on the authority of the past, on religious faith, or on intuition

3. Isaac Newton God = clockmaker (set up universe and let it run) God created the universe, but does not interfere in its workings

4. God’s special gift Reason

5. Scientific and Spiritual Belief Everyone had ability to regulate his/her own life

6. Deism God made it possible for all people at all times to discover natural laws through their God-given power of reason Universe is orderly and good Stressed humanity’s goodness Perfectibility of individuals through reason God’s objective = happiness of his creatures The best way to serve God is by helping other people

7. Self-examination Human history is marked by progress toward a more perfect existence The “self-made” person