2. Rationalism the belief that one can arrive at the truth by using one’s reason rather than relying onthe belief that one can arrive at the truth by using one’s reason rather than relying on –authority of the past –religious faith –institutions

3. Rationalism began in Europe with the great rationalist philosophers and scientists 1543--Nicolas Copernicus rethinks our place in the solar system 1642-1727--Sir Isaac Newton discovers the laws of gravity 1637--Rene Descarte--Discourse on Method--”I think therefore I am.”

4. The Age of Reason in America Americans combined common sense and pragmatism with the ideas of the European thinkers Reason is the dominating characteristic both of nature and human nature nature is governed by fixed, unchanging laws

5. American Thinkers Benjamin Franklin--inventive and curious mind Thomas Jefferson--drive to improve – living conditions –forms of government –the individual mind Thomas Paine--Common Sense-- rational appeal for the struggle of independence

6. The Age of Reason emphasized: reason over the imagination the social over the personal the common interest over the individual

7. Literature in The Age of Reason

8. poetry--unoriginal poetry--unoriginal broadsides--poetic equivalents to a pamphlet broadsides--poetic equivalents to a pamphlet pamphlet--instructional and inspirational pamphlet--instructional and inspirational – Common Sense – The Federalist Papers Speeches Speeches

9. Religion and the Rational Mind DEISM--God makes it possible for all people at all times to discover natural laws through the God-given faculty of reason. Benjamin Franklin

10. God controls the universe in mysterious ways Man is essentially evil Humans are perfectible Bible contains all truth God created the laws of nature Man is essentially good Humans are always imperfect We should seek further truth