Philosophical+Movements

**Philosophical Movements:**
A philosophical movement is either the appearance or increased popularity of a specific school of philosophy, or a fairly broad but identifiable sea-change in philosophical thought on a particular subject. Major philosophical movements are often characterized with reference to the nation, language, or historical era in which they arose.

The Enlightenment also known as the Age of Reason took place during the eighteenth century. It was the scientific and intellectual developments of the time period. This movement advocated rationality as a means to establish an authoritative system of ethics, aesthetics, and knowledge. The intellectual leaders of this movement regarded themselves as courageous and elite, and regarded their purpose as leading the world toward progress and out of a long period of doubtful tradition, full of irrationality, superstition, and tyranny, (which they believed began during a historical period they called the "Dark Ages"). This movement also provided a framework for the American and French Revolutions, as well leading to the rise of capitalism and the birth of socialism. It is matched by the high baroque era in music, and the neo-classical period in the arts.

Historical Events

Important Philosophers

Influences

Bibliography