Research Paper
The Influence Of The Enlightenment
As Reflected In English Literature
Beginning in the late seventeenth century and lasting through the late 18th century, the Enlightenment was a movement that emphasized the use of reason to scrutinize formerly accepted traditions and doctrines. The shapers and followers of the Enlightenment undertook a critique of their world and all aspects of traditional life including religion, political organization, social structure, science, human relations, human nature, history, economics, as well as the very grounds of human understanding and put them under intense scrutiny and investigation. (Reill, vii). The Enlightenment was characterized by the dynamic between the criticism of the world at the time, and innovation to improve it for posterity. (Reill, viii). The study of human nature became a central feature of the Enlightenment. (Gomez, 3). In the Enlightenment, human nature was regarded as a subject of particular significance because it was believed to provide the foundation for all knowledge. (Gomez, 3). The Enlightenment was able to lay the basis for the critique of reason by rediscovering the passions, desires and sensations
(Tenorio 2)
of the darker side of human nature. Human understanding and activity were now founded upon first hand feelings and sensations, replacing reason. (Reill, viii). The leaders of the Enlightenment relied heavily on the scientific method, with its emphasis on experimentation and careful observation. The philosophers believed that the scientific method could be directly applied to the study of human nature and so explored the issues directly affecting humans in education, law, p ...