Age Of Reason Dbq

The role of the “Age of Reason” in the 18th and 19th Century

The Age of Reason took place during the 18th and the first half of 19th centuries and it was a period known as when human beings became rational with their reasoning as well as a strong foundation upon which social and political policies were based. People were made to believe that all problems could be solved scientifically rather than relying on God for all the solutions to their problems .Thomas Paine’s “Age of Reason” gives as an idea about how the world could be made a better place but not entirely on the powers of God. During that time, the Church was having an important impact on the lives of many people and the puritans as well. Paine’s got his idea from the rationality human condition could be made better and realistic. The “Age of Reason” was a time that brought about a great

shift from religious based authority to the use of reason and science.
They believed that with their efforts to make life convenient and less stressful for the human race, God will crown their efforts with success. Paine said “The human mind has a natural disposition to scientific knowledge, and to the things connected with .The first and favorite amusement of a child, even before it begins to play, is that of imitating the works of man”. The idea of reasoning came to some intellectuals that since faith is not responsible for causing miracles, then it is pupil’s ability that can cause change to happen and miracles to be performed. This event took place when people began to read and understand the bible better because it was translated into simpler languages that they can understand. The era of “Age of Reason” was powerful and magnificent. It contributed greatly to the many of inventions and scientific thoughts we have in our world today.
The “Age of Reason” was overcome by the Romanticism era. This era can talk about as the following “Romanticism was a misnomer for such a spirit, the idea of progress and belief in human perfectibility being the most characteristics features of what is called the romantic view of life. It was a revolt against the tradition of rationalism, not only on the eighteenth century; going further backward, beyond the classicism of the seventeenth century, it rejected even the tradition of scholastic theology which had operated as the solvent of the religious mode of thought.” Even though a lot of challenges were faced during the “Age of Reason”, Paine got more into his ideas and believed it would work due to the the scientific works of great men at that time such as Newton, Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. They were living in a society that bought into their ideas and encouraged them to work harder for the betterment of man.
Thomas Paine was one of the early intellectuals that believed in reasoning, he was born in January 1737 and has been described as an “English pamphleteer, revolutionary, radical, inventor and intellectual”. He did not come from a rich family but struggle to succeed in life and believed that we can all make the universe a good and wonderful place to live. ” The discrepancy between his high intelligence and the limitations imposed on him by poverty and caste made him long for a new social order”. Thomas Paine always there is only one supernatural God and human beings should live together in equality and the sense of caring for one another. Paine was of the view that some religious leaders were just about making money and enslaving the people that serve and worship God. Obviously , Thomas Paine did not believe in the teachings and believes of the Church leaders at that time and was of the view that “All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit”
For me, Thomas Paine was a central and pivotal figure during the American Revolution. The “Common Sense” pamphlet he published played a major role in the revolution. He was someone with Charisma and was loved by the ordinary people that believed there should be a revolution. He was able to inspire people to take a stand, believe in whatever they are doing and never give up their liberty. “Paine was involved in the struggle for independence he wrote a lot of articles and papers” to encourage the youths and the aged to believe in the fight for freedom and justice.
One of the greatest persons of the “Age Of Reason “was Thomas Jefferson who was much more into science and inventions during his time.

He was the” President of the United States, first secretary of state, minister to France, governor of Virginia and congressman”. Unlike Thomas Paine, Jefferson came from a well to do family with the dad being a “county official and a surveyor “.Thomas Jefferson did believe there was a greater God which he did not undermine but also believed that religion and science can work together. He contributed to the revolution and Independent by writing to encourage a lot of people through pamphlets.” In 1774 he wrote an influential and daring pamphlet called A summary view of the Right of British America, denying all parliamentary authority over America and arguing that ties to the British monarchy were voluntary and not irrevocable”. Jefferson did brought about the declaration on Independence and also believed strongly in democracy. He was of the view of having faith in the individuals and common man, emphasizing on the importance of education especially science, responsibility and justice for

all.
The last author to be looked at during the “Age of Reason” is Benjamin Franklin who has been described as a rare genius who had the spirit of enlightenment and reality in him. He was self-educated, ambitious, optimistic, practical and speculative about the nature of the world.