The Age of Enlightenment is a period between the 17th and 18th centuries that saw an improvement in understanding and rationality. Enlightenment was characterized by philosophical ideas and frameworks that grew, and a shift in science discoveries which made a significant impact on the understanding and application of information and knowledge in Europe. The scientific revolution during this period changed the way people perceive many events. The intellectual and scientific aspects, as well as other aspects of our existence were affected by enlightenment. Understanding the importance of race in cultural diversity has had a profound impact on aspects such as politics, governance, religion, affiliations, and social orientation. There were many impacts to the era of Enlightenment, not all of them positive. However, they had an enormous impact on European society.
The scientific understanding of the universe was profoundly affected by the Age of Enlightenment. In order to explain societal phenomena, the Enlightenment constructed theoretical frameworks that could be supported with evidence and mathematics. “Anatomy and Enlightenment” The Enlightenment defined the time by the acceptance of science as an independent source of knowledge rather than religious or cultural beliefs. Because of this transition, scientists began to study the natural environment, then used reason and math frameworks to analyze the observed phenomena, before focusing on experiments. This made the natural realm a vital instrument in obtaining knowledge. The result was the creation of scientifically sound material. This laid the foundation for science being the main source of knowledge in society. Consider the Enlightenment’s impact on scientific discoveries. The study of Astronomy is an example. Astronomy was seen as more of God communicating with humans than it being a measurement of time. Enlightenment created scientifically sound frameworks for understanding the nature of cosmos, which was based on humans’ views and ideologies.
People’s lives have been significantly affected by the Enlightenment. Because of their increased understanding of philosophical frameworks and beliefs, people accepted non-traditional lifestyles. Coffee’s increased popularity in European culture and the use of it are both indicators that human life has changed as a result of the Enlightenment. “Astronomy” (00:05–01:00) reveals that, according to a song offered in the lectures, the inhabitants of the civilization have a different idea of a non-traditional way of living. Although this coffee was used in the culture it also had an impact on the human rights-based idea of the Enlightenment Process. Contrary to Europeans’ stances regarding slavery and human rights, they encouraged the use of coffee from coffee-producing countries by using a majority of coffee produced by slaves (Enlightenment and Racism). The enlightenment period resulted in a rise of new crops in European communities, particularly those that are addictive, such as sugar, chocolate, coffee, and tobacco, and these aspects exemplified the transition from a simple lifestyle to one characterized by pleasures and happiness (“Coffee” 00:15–02:21).