This course invites students into one of the most transformative periods in human history: the European Enlightenment. In an age marked by revolution, scientific discovery, and fierce debates about religion, government, and human nature, a remarkable generation of thinkers asked a bold question: how should society be organised if guided by reason rather than tradition? Through the writings of influential figures such as Voltaire, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Adam Smith, and the authors of the Federalist Papers, students will explore the ideas that helped shape the modern world. Topics include the rise of scientific thinking, challenges to religious authority, the development of political liberty, the foundations of modern economics, and the enduring tension between reason and tradition.

Far from being a study of the distant past, this course examines why Enlightenment ideas continue to matter today. Are concepts such as progress, individual rights, free inquiry, and human equality still relevant in the twenty-first century? Have the promises of reason been fulfilled, or do the Enlightenment's limits reveal important lessons for contemporary society?

Combining historical context with philosophical debate, this course encourages students to engage critically with some of history’s most influential texts and ideas. By the end, students will better understand the intellectual foundations of modern democracy, science, economics, and human rights, while developing the analytical skills needed to evaluate their continuing significance in an increasingly complex world.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to face
• Online

COURSE RESOURCES

• Roy Porter, The Enlightenment 
• Peter Gay, The Enlightenment: An Interpretation
• Steven Pinker, Enlightenment Now!
• Voltaire, Letters from England.
• Hume, Dialogues on Natural Religion
• Kant “What is Enlightenment?”
• Smith, Wealth of Nations
• Hamilton, Jay and Madison, Federalist Papers

COURSE OUTLINE

• The meaning of the term “Enlightenment” and the social and political context of eighteenth century Europe
• The Enlightenment’s leading theories as they relate to philosophy, science, society and politics
• How the conflict between science and religion shaped the modern world
• Consideration of the conflict between reason and tradition in philosophical and political thought
• An introduction to the ideas of leading Enlightenment thinkers, including Voltaire, Hume, Kant and Smith.
• Reflection on the Enlightenment’s values of humanism, progress and reason and whether they still remain relevant.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the significance of the Enlightenment in the development of modern thought
• Understand the key concepts developed by Enlightenment thinkers to explain the physical world and human society
• Assess the strengths and limits of Enlightenment ideas of reason and progress
• Think critically about the continuing relevance of Enlightenment ideas and the extent to which they remain valid today.