The Enlightenment: The Pursuit of Happiness 1680-1790

The Enlightenment was a period of great intellectual and cultural change in Europe that began in the 17th century and lasted until the 18th century. It is often seen as the fountainhead of modern values such as human rights, religious toleration, freedom of thought, and scientific thought. However, it has also been accused of promoting a scientific rationality that ignores the complexity and variety of human beings, propagating shallow atheism, and aiming to subjugate nature to technical progress. This book goes behind the controversies to return to the original texts and shows that the Enlightenment sought to increase human happiness by promoting scientific inquiry and reasoned argument. It overturns many received opinions, such as that enlightenment necessarily implied hostility to religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1008 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Enlightenment, a pivotal era in Western history, continues to be a subject of debate, spanning over three centuries since its inception. While it is widely acknowledged as the source of modern values such as human rights, religious tolerance, freedom of thought, scientific reasoning, rationality, and evidence-based argument, others accuse it of promoting a narrow scientific rationality that disregards the richness and diversity of human beings, propagates shallow atheism, and seeks to subordinate nature to the pursuit of technological progress.

In his comprehensive study, Robertson delves into the origins and complexities of the Enlightenment. He challenges prevailing narratives and seeks to reclaim the original texts of the Enlightenment thinkers. Through this lens, he reveals that the Enlightenment's primary objective was to enhance human happiness in the world by fostering scientific inquiry and reasoned argument. This book challenges preconceived notions, such as the notion that enlightenment inevitably led to hostility towards religion (although it did question the authority traditionally held by the Churches). It serves as a masterful exploration of the big picture of history, shedding light on one of the foundational epochs of modern times.

The Enlightenment era witnessed a profound shift in intellectual and societal attitudes, marked by a renewed emphasis on reason, individualism, and human progress. Philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for the rights of individuals, the separation of church and state, and the pursuit of knowledge based on empirical evidence. Scientists such as Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei revolutionized our understanding of the natural world through their scientific discoveries and experiments.

However, the Enlightenment was not without its critics. Some saw it as a threat to traditional values and institutions, arguing that it promoted a dangerous level of individualism and skepticism that could lead to social unrest and instability. Others accused it of promoting a narrow scientific worldview that ignored the complexities of human nature and the spiritual dimensions of existence.

Despite these criticisms, the Enlightenment remains a significant and influential period in Western history. Its values of reason, freedom, and human dignity continue to shape our understanding of society and human rights. The Enlightenment's emphasis on scientific inquiry and evidence-based argument has also had a lasting impact on the development of science and technology.

In conclusion, the Enlightenment is a complex and multifaceted period in Western history that continues to be debated and studied. While it is often seen as the fountainhead of modern values, it is also criticized for promoting a narrow scientific rationality that disregards the richness and diversity of human beings. Robertson's book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Enlightenment by reclaiming its original texts and highlighting its primary objective of enhancing human happiness through scientific inquiry and reasoned argument. The Enlightenment's legacy continues to shape our world today, and its values of reason, freedom, and human dignity remain essential for building a more equitable and just society.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141979403