The Enlightenment And Voltaire's Ideas During The Age Of Reason

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The Enlightenment period was a time of great ideas where people finally came together to become one society---Steve Johnson once said, "If you look at history, innovation doesn't come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect." The Enlightenment took place during the late 17th century and 18 century in Europe. It was also known as the Age of Reason, and it was a time period where society was questioning the old ways. During this time, the focus of all philosophers was to leave the old ways behind and create and discover better ideas and ways for a society. The main idea of the philosophers was greater individual freedom. This idea was a key part of their …show more content…

Voltaire understands that everyone being limited to one religion or belief would cause a "arbitrary" government. Avoiding any conflict or unhappiness in society was Voltaire's ultimate goal. If there were only two religions, a rivalry would exist and everyone would "cut one another's throats." So, to keep peace within society, Voltaire proposes the idea of a multitude of religious beliefs. Everyone having the choice of their beliefs creates peace among a society. Voltaire's ultimate goal was a peaceful society, and Voltaire came to conclude that society should have the right to chose their own belief---everyone is happy.
Ultimately, freedom to all is also an important part of Wollstonecraft's ideas on equality. Wollstonecraft notes how women are considered "inferior" to men and they are "ranked lower." She believes women aren't given the same chances as men. Women aren't offered education like men are. With the same opportunities as men, in education for example, women could become "wise and virtuous." Wollstonecraft, overall, believes that equality in opportunities would create equality among men and

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