Overview
This lecture covers the Enlightenment era, focusing on its origins, key philosophies, major literary trends, and significant achievements in France and Poland.
Origins and Timeline
- The Enlightenment began in the late 17th century in France and peaked in the 18th century.
- In Poland, it is marked by King Stanisław August Poniatowski’s accession and ends with Adam Mickiewicz’s "Poetry".
Fundamental Ideas and Achievements
- The era’s name refers to "light" as a metaphor for reason dispelling ignorance.
- Science and knowledge were seen as the foundation for progress.
- The first encyclopedia, the Great French Encyclopedia, was created.
- The development of the press included influential newspapers like "The Spectator" (England) and "Monitor" (Poland).
Key Philosophies
- Enlightenment philosophy is rooted in Descartes’ statement: “I think, therefore I am.”
- Rationalism posits that reason is the main source of knowledge, used to assess actions and challenge authority.
- Empiricism argues that knowledge comes from experience and the senses, later analyzed by reason.
- On this basis, atheism (denial of God’s existence) and deism (God exists but does not intervene) emerged.
- Prominent philosophers include David Hume, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Literary Trends
- Classicism emphasized reason, clear language, adherence to literary rules, and had a didactic (teaching) purpose; represented by Ignacy Krasicki.
- Sentimentalism, influenced by Rousseau, valued emotion and nature, and opposed civilization’s excesses; represented by Franciszek Karpiński.
- Rococo celebrated beauty and entertainment, using elegant and sensual language; represented by Kajetan Węgierski.
Polish Cultural and Political Achievements
- Major institutions founded: National Theatre, Załuski Library, Collegium Nobilium, Society of Friends of Science (precursor to the University of Warsaw), and the Commission of National Education.
- The Constitution of May 3 was the first in Europe and second in the world.
- Despite reforms, Poland was partitioned and lost independence for 123 years due to foreign intervention and internal corruption.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Enlightenment — An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and knowledge to advance society.
- Rationalism — The belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge.
- Empiricism — The view that knowledge comes from sensory experience.
- Atheism — The rejection of belief in God.
- Deism — Belief in God as a non-intervening creator.
- Classicism — Literary style valuing reason, order, and didacticism.
- Sentimentalism — Literary trend valuing emotion and nature.
- Rococo — Artistic and literary style characterized by elegance and entertainment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the contributions of Enlightenment philosophers and key Polish reforms.
- Prepare for upcoming topics: Romanticism and Positivism.