Characteristics of the Enlightenment

Spinoza enlightens the world
(image constructed from real photos; no AI)

Recently, I attended a lecture on Spinoza, and at the end someone asked the speaker: Do you think we are experiencing the end of the Enlightenment these days? I think that you know that Spinoza was one of the founders of the Enlightenment, and the question was relevant in the context of the lecture. The question pointed to the present rise of authoritarian leaders; the increasing suppression of the freedom of expression; blaming your opponents for the simple fact that they are your opponents, especially in politics; etc., etc. You’ll know what I mean. Now I think that these tendencies are dangerous and should be stopped, but speaking of the end of Enlightenment is yet a step too far at the moment. Movements in history go with ups and downs and temporary setbacks are not unusual. I think that since the end of the Middle Ages, on average, the world has become more enlightened. It is like a gradual upward wave motion. Nevertheless, in view of the present political crisis, I think that it is good to ask: What are the characteristics of the Enlightenment? This in order to better understand and realize what is going on and what we need to defend.
What follows are the main characteristics of enlightenment, as I see them; not so much of the Enlightenment as a period in the history of ideas but as a standpoint towards the present world and towards our fellow human beings. So, maybe I should rather say that this blog is about the question “What are the characteristics of an enlightened attitude?”

I think that the core of an enlightened attitude is tolerance towards others and their opinions and views, even if they are different from yours. However, this is quite abstract, so let me fill it in. The characteristics that follow don’t only refer to the direct relations between individuals, but also to the general political situation, which has a broader influence on the way individuals live.

- Not authority but reason and rational thinking are the guides to truth. In case we have different opinions about how the facts are, don’t determine what is true by a call on authority, status, position or ancient scriptures, but look for concrete facts that support or just refute what we think to be true. Don’t blindly accept what an authority says but think self. Accept that some questions cannot be immediately answered. Maybe later, maybe never. That’s especially the case for moral and ethical questions. Therefore, differences in opinion and ideas are normal; not objectionable.
- Have respect for individuality, for self-governance, and for individual, personal rights. Basically, people have the right to fill in their lives in their own ways, as they wish. Human rights are a clear expression of this point.
- Montaigne always said: What do I know? Montaigne lived before the Age of Enlightenment but can be seen as a precursor. Life would be impossible without accepting certainties and securities. Without them, you cannot act and you would be like Buridan’s ass. Nevertheless stay sceptical. Things can be different from what they seem. Be open to questioning established beliefs, authority (religious and secular), judgments and prejudices, and superstition. Accepting authority because it is authority is the first step to suppression of freedom.
- Observe and discover the world and don’t be afraid to know. Do this in a methodical, systematic way. This makes it easier for you and for others to detect mistakes. Share your knowledge and methods with others, so that they can discuss them. Accept that you can learn from what others think about them. Open science and public scientific methods are the foundation of knowledge and progress.
- Everybody has the right to know and to be free. Nobody is better or worse than someone else. Since in practice there is much inequality between humans, emancipation and liberation from the inability to think independently must be stimulated. It’s why free education is so important.
- In order to stimulate enlightenment in the political field separation of church and state and the separation of the executive, legislative and judicial powers (the so-called Trias Politica) are important as ways to prevent tyranny and the oppression of freedom of expression of one’s thoughts if not of the freedom of thinking itself.

Without a doubt I could have added more characteristics of an enlightened world, but I think that I have mentioned here the core of what is at stake in the present world. Look around and draw your conclusions and think about what can be lost and is difficult to regain once lost.