|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Enlightenment, the
Enlightenment, the. Though the term originated as a translation of the German Aufklärung, it is now applied more generally to the movement of ideas which characterized much of 18th-cent. Europe. Its adherents distrusted all authority and tradition in matters of intellectual inquiry, and believed that truth could be obtained only through reason, observation, and experiment. They sought to diffuse knowledge and where possible to further tolerance, justice, and the moral and material welfare of mankind. The movement embraced a vast spectrum of views, and many of its leaders came into conflict with the Church, especially in Catholic countries.
|
|
|
Cite this article
E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Enlightenment, the." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Enlightenment, the." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Enlightenmentthe.html E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Enlightenment, the." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Enlightenmentthe.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
