The term comes from the German Aufklarung which means "enlightenment", which in English is known as enlightenment. This incident occurred in 1695-1815. At this time humans are optimistic with the ability to create progress that can give a new light, in this case is the advancement of science. Then many emerging philosophical thoughts of Europe.
Aufklarung through the slogan: "Sapere Aude!" Which means "Dare to Think Own", Immanuel Kant, German philosopher asks people to be bolder and are free to use their minds. According to Kant, humans are still not convinced of the ability of his wits to create progress and happiness in the world. If man has not been able to do that, it means a sign that the human being immature.
Enlightenment in Germany
In general, the Enlightenment in Germany is not so hostile attitude toward Christianity as was the case in France. Indeed, people also tried to attack the foundations of faith based on revelation, and replace it with a religion based on the feeling that is pantheistic, but everything was running without the "war" is open.
Which became the center of attention in Germany is ethical. People aspire to change the teaching of morality which is based on the revelation into a morality that is based on the common good, which clearly show the attention to feelings. Since the beginning of philosophy is influenced by the spiritual movement in England and in France. It resulted that the German philosophy does not stand alone.
The pioneering of them is Samuel Pufendorff (1632-1694), Christian Thomasius (1655-1728). But a real leader in the field of philosophy is Christian Wolff (1679- 1754).
People who as if suddenly enhance the Enlightenment was Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Which is a philosopher whose influence on the philosophy of the last two hundred years, both in the West and in the East, is almost universally recognized as the greatest philosopher since Aristotle. Some argue that the philosophy of the last two hundred years is like a footnote to his writings. There is also the opinion of the modern world philosophical system is what Aristotle for the Scholastics: Kant was born in Konigserg, East Prussia, Germany.
In the pre-critical stance he embraced rationalist launched by Wolff et al. However, influenced by David Hume (1711-1776), gradually Kant leave rationalism. He himself said that Hume's what woke him from sleep dogmatic. In the days kriitsnya, Kant radically changed the face of his philosophy.
In their communities, Kant is often the subject of caricature is not fair, such that the daily routine was so rigid that the neighbors set their watches by the arrival and departure each day, but this kind of story might actually reflect the integrity of life lived in accordance with his own ideas if we want to vote positively. when he died, the epitaph on his tombstone simply reads "The Philosopher" a designation that is considered appropriate, taking into account that the period of philosophy that began with Socrates to a large extent, with Kant.
2. Enlightenment in England
In English Enlightenment philosophy expressed by the experts thought that various beliefs. Most experts think that an off than others, but certainly some of the flow of goods.
One symptom of the Enlightenment in England is called Deism, a philosophy school in England in the 18th century, who joined Herbert Eduard ideas which can be called religious teachings natural pedestal giver.
According to Herbert, the absolute sense to have autonomy in the field of religion. Christianity also subjected to mind. On the basis of this opinion he was opposed to any belief that is based on revelation. Against all skepticism in religion he meant with all his might reinforce the natural basic truths of religion.
Basic knowledge in the field of religion are certainly some common sense to everyone and is directly evident because of natural instincts, which precedes all experience the sense thinking. Size truth and certainty is a general consent of all human beings, because of the similarity minds. The contents of the knowledge about the matter of religion and decency.
These are the first principles to be elaborated by the human mind so natural religion, which contains: a) that there is a Supreme figure. b) that the man should worship the Supreme People's. c) that the principal part of this service is a virtue and piety. d) that humans because its sort of hatred towards sin and believe that any violation of decency to be regretted. e) that the goodness and justice of God rewards and punishment to man in this life and in the hereafter. According to Herbert, in all positive religions are fundamental truths of natural religion.
3. Enlightenment in France
In the 18th century French philosophy drew ideas from the UK. The pioneers of philosophy in France alone (Descartes, etc.) have been forgotten and unappreciated again. Now the teacher they are Locke and Newton.
The difference between the French and British philosophy at that time was:
In the UK the philosophers are not trying to make their ideas known to the public, but in France this new belief from the outset given in popular form. Consequently philosophy in France can be captured by a wider group, which is not so educated as philosophers. This makes the new belief that entering the public pandaangan. Thus in the French philosophy of life is more closely linked with the political, social and culture at that time. Because it is popular it is the philosophy in France at that time was not so deep. Christianity attacked hard once by using weapons provided by Deism.
Similarly, in the UK as well as in France there are various genres: there are groups Encyclopedia, which was compiled in the form of Encyclopedia of science, and there is a materialist group, which continues to be the principle mechanism sheer materialism.
Among the central figure who became the talk here is Voltaire (1694-1778), In 1726 he fled to England. There he became acquainted with the theories of Locke and Newton. What has been received from the two figures are: a) the extent to which the reach of human reason, and b) where the limits of human reason. Based on those two things he discussed matters of natural religion and ethics. Its purpose is to see to it that no other social life according to the demands of his time was reasonable.
Regarding the soul is said, that we do not have an idea of the soul (the influence of Locke) we observe .The symptoms are psychological. Our knowledge is not up to the existence of a soul substance that stands alone.
