The Enlightenment emphasized reason over superstition from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
During the Enlightenment, thinkers sought to distance themselves from the superstitions that had dominated the intellectual landscape for centuries. This movement placed a premium on reason and empirical evidence, championing the idea that knowledge should be based on observation and logic rather than tradition or religious dogma. The emphasis on reason over superstition marked a significant shift in how people viewed the world and their place in it. Instead of relying on supernatural explanations for natural phenomena, thinkers began to look for rational, scientific explanations that could be tested and verified. This shift in mindset laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution that would follow, paving the way for advancements in fields such as physics, biology, and chemistry. The rejection of superstition also had implications for religious beliefs and practices. As people began to question long-held traditions and beliefs, they started to demand proof and evidence for the claims made by religious authorities. This led to a reevaluation of the role of religion in society and the relationship between faith and reason. By prioritizing reason over superstition, the Enlightenment thinkers challenged the status quo and set the stage for a more rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. This shift had far-reaching consequences, influencing everything from how we think about the natural world to how we approach moral and ethical questions. In this way, the Enlightenment can be seen as a turning point in human history, marking the beginning of a new era of intellectual inquiry and discovery.
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