Enlightenment

Upon reading about the Enlightenment of the early modern world, I realized that most of the events taking place were similar to more current events occurring today. I was able to make a clear connection between discoveries being made and breakthroughs happening in both the science regions and other aspects of human beings to an event in which took place recently at Menlo. When Richard Dawkins, a well known writer and strong atheist, came to speak to us, he proposed his outlook on evolution, providing us with his insight on how the world and existence came to be. His breakthroughs that led to his strong beliefs subconsciously tied in to what I read about in the textbook, providing me with two different experiences in which the same sort of mannerisms are taking place.

Throughout pages 482-484, it is clearly stated how significant the "enlightenment" was to those of the early modern world, primarily focused in Europe. What triggered this new sequence of events in which significant breakthroughs were made, the Europeans "new approach to knowledge-- rooted in human reason, skeptical of authority, experessed in natural laws-- was now applied to human affairs, not just to the physical universe." (Page 482, Ways of the World textbook) Through means of mainly scientific development, "growing numbers of people believed that the long-term outcome of scientific development would be "enlightenment." (Page 482, Ways of the World textbook) Although the progression in enlightenment caused some controversy, those who were thoughtful of it believed in it were able to gain the knowledge to transform human society. Majority of the beliefs of enlightenment were directed against superstition, ignorance, and ideas without clearly stated evidence. Enlightenment centered around a theme of progress, supporting constant transformation and improvement. Whether it was through religion, critical thinking, or scientific discoveries, the Europeans never seised in searching for opportunities in which breakthroughs could be found. The effect the enlightenment had on those in which it impacted was extremely significant, and "for some, it was virtually a new religion." (Page 484, Ways of the World textbook)

After researching the enlightenment the Europeans experienced in throughout the 14-1700's, I connected this gained knowledge to an event that took place in my own life. When Richard Dawkins came to speak, what he had to say reminded me of what I had read about in the textbook. He explained that in order for himself to believe in anything, there must be clear evidence provided in order to back up whatever point one was trying to prove. The way he views knowledge and evolution and various beliefs reminded me of the way the Europeans began to interpret knowledge as the enlightenment began, and provided me with a better understanding of the general concept. Both Dawkins and the Europeans believed that for them to believe anything, there must be proof provided, proving that whatever the event, occurance, or belief one is presented with is true. Aside from the Europeans that believed in religion as well as scientific evolution, a fair amount of Europeans had the same beliefs as Dr. Dawkins. I feel as though the connection between the textbook and a personal event helped me better understand enlightenment, grasping the concept on a more beneficial level.