Benjamin Franklin As A Representation Of The Enlightenment

Wade Cobb Dr. Boeninger DWC 201 19 October 2015 Benjamin Franklin as a Representation of the Enlightenment The Enlightenment was largely a rational response to the 16th and 17th century Scientific Revolution, as well as major developments in philosophical thinking, such as ideas proposed by Rene Descartes. During the Enlightenment, thinkers emphasize rational and critical ways of thinking, rather than the complete reliance on religion that had been previously accepted. In many ways, Benjamin Franklin was the human embodiment of the Age of Enlightenment. Similarly to the Enlightenment as a time period, Benjamin Franklin is influenced by, but strays from his upbringing in a strict Puritan context in order to establish beliefs based on reason and the scientific method. Franklin used highly thought out and methodological techniques for deciding things from a daily schedule all the way to his views on morality and virtue. He was a life long learner, and like the Age of Enlightenment itself, he put reason as the ultimate factor for know ledge and decision-making. Corresponding to the Enlightenment, Franklin was affected by his Christian background. His parents were devout Puritans, and being raised in their household, the Christian outlook left its mark on certain aspects of Franklin’s beliefs. For example, in his letter to the Yale University President Ezra Stiles in 1790 reveals an important commonality in his beliefs in relation to Puritan, and other Judeo-ChristianShow MoreRelatedThe British Enlightenment And The American Revolution1538 Words   |  7 PagesThe American Revolution was a product of the British Enlightenment as well as both American and British history. The Enlightenment was age of innovation taking place during the 17th and 18th centuries. 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