The Enlightenment - Essay Example

Scientific inventions and scientific discoveries made the hallmark of the enlightenment period. During the enlightenment period, it was known that science was the subject that could bring transformation in the world (Withers, 2007). The transformation that was desired was that which could make human life comfortable and easier on earth. During this period, more goods were produced at reduced cost, the stress of traveling, communicstion was reduced, and mobility was advanced hence the ease of communication and transit.

Trade became advanced to different locations and human life ceased to be caged in geographical confines. During this period, there were many criticisms as well as the mushrooming of various organized groups. The church specifically was criticized during this period. The church was criticized by the liberals to have been be confining peoples’ reason to doctrinal thoughts. The thought of the enlightenment age proposed a more individualized system that does not constrict people to a particular system of belief.

Enlightenement period was a period of enquiry and people wanted logical reasons and proof behind phenomena. At this time, people did not want to set their belief on speculations because they were propounded by the church or by such authorities like Plato; they wanted scientific truth (Pancaldi, 2003). This though and desire led to the attack of absolutist and mercantilism. The think tanks of the enlightenment age refused to believe and accept some dominating dogmas. They could not any scientific proof to make them believe that the monarchs had superior status than other human beings.

They could further not find scientific comprehension that there is a class of people set a part to dominate other human race because they were set a part to claim sovereignty over others. Thinkers of the enlightenment age wanted proof beyond any reasonable doubt that mercantilism was of economic benefit. 2. Compare and contrast the role played by Danton and Robespierre during the terror Danton and Robespierre, had great influence in shaping human history. Both of these personalities were leaders to be reckoned with.

They had major differences in belief and though; a thing which later led to the spilt of political stances. Robespierre strongly believed that a nation would be a better republic only if it was governed on the principle and the foundations of philosophy, virtue, and justice. Danton on the other hand strongly advocated for a nation that is ruled in the basis of nobility, tradition, and domestic agreement and peace. Each of these figures of power supported the course that they believed was in the best interest of the people and none was willing to sacrifice their though to accommodate that of the other (Gascoigne, 1989).

Their opposing belief became personal that they could not meet each other. They had strong hatred for each other until when revolution came; to them, an opportunity to destroy each other presented itself. During the Terror period, Danton was elected in the Public Safety committee. While he was serving in the committee, Danton sought to reconcile the parties that were conflicting with the min intension of restoring peace and enforcing the rule of law to take effect in nations. Danton hoped to bring stability during the revolution by adopting a new constitution.

The second committee of the public safety under the leadership of Robespierre stood upright with a declaration to continue terror until the