RATIONALISM AND ENLIGHTENMENT’S SPIRIT: THE LEADING SPIRIT OF THE FRENCH ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHY IN THE 18TH CENTURY

Abstract

Permeating 18th-century French Enlightenment philosophy was a profound rationalist spirit and Enlightenment ideals. This intellectual movement emerged from efforts to disengage from organized religion and the church, asserting an unwavering faith in the boundless power of reason and scientific knowledge over the forces of theocracy and secular powers. This article delves into an analysis of the rationalist and Enlightenment elements within 18th-century French Enlightenment philosophy, aiming to claim its position as the prevailing spirit and the driving force of the Enlightenment-era. By examining these elements, we can draw both the values and limitations of this philosophical movement on the development of the history of human thought.