Literaturgeschichte: Die Aufklärung | STARK erklärt

Summary

The Enlightenment period, spanning from 1720 to 1785, was a pivotal era of intellectual awakening. It marked a significant shift towards modernity, where people began critically questioning the influence of monarchs, princes, and the church. Key outcomes included the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789, both reflecting the emerging self-confident citizenry. The motto 'Sapere aude!' ('Dare to know!') by Kant encouraged individuals to think independently and use reason. Literature aimed to educate and promote rational behavior, with genres like the Bildungsroman, fable, didactic poetry, and drama playing a crucial role. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's works, particularly his bourgeois tragedies, highlighted moral values and challenged societal norms, emphasizing the importance of humanity and tolerance.

Takeaways

• 🕰️ The Enlightenment period is dated roughly from 1720 to 1785.
• 🌟 It signifies a significant step towards the modern world, particularly following the Thirty Years' War.
• 🗽 Key outcomes of the Enlightenment include the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789 with its Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
• 🧠 The Enlightenment emphasized the use of one's own reason to perceive the world, with each individual considered autonomous.
• 💡 The motto 'Sapere aude!' or 'Have courage to use your own reason' was formulated by Kant, encouraging independent thought and critical thinking.
• 📚 Science and philosophy committed to rationalism and empiricism, rejecting knowledge derived from God or outdated worldviews.
• 📖 Literature of the Enlightenment aimed to foster rational action among readers, serving as a means of education.
• 📚 The language of Enlightenment literature was to be clear and understandable, moving away from baroque ostentation.
• 📚 The Bildungsroman, fable, didactic poetry, and drama were prominent genres of Enlightenment literature.
• 🎭 Gotthold Ephraim Lessing invented the bourgeois tragedy, making citizens the protagonists in tragedies for the first time.
• 🌐 The Enlightenment is more than a literary epoch; it is an intellectual age with massive historical impacts.

Q & A

What is the English term for 'Aufklärung'?

The English term for 'Aufklärung' is 'Enlightenment'.

What is the approximate time frame for the Enlightenment period?

The Enlightenment period can be dated from around 1720 to 1785.

What significant historical event led people to start critically questioning the influence of monarchs, princes, and churches?

The devastating Thirty Years' War led people to start critically questioning the influence of monarchs, princes, and churches.

Which two major historical events are considered results of the Enlightenment?

The American Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789 with its Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen are considered results of the Enlightenment.

What was the Enlightenment's view on how individuals should perceive the world?

The Enlightenment viewed that individuals should perceive the world with their own reason and that each person was considered an autonomous individual capable of independently recognizing truth and right.

What was the motto of the Enlightenment as formulated by Kant?

The motto of the Enlightenment, as formulated by Kant, was 'Sapere aude!' which translates to 'Have courage to use your own reason.'

What did the Enlightenment believe was the responsibility of each individual to achieve progress?

The Enlightenment believed it was the responsibility of each individual to use their own mind, exercise criticism, and not rely on the opinions of others out of convenience.

Which philosophers and thinkers are mentioned as having developed influential ideas and political theories during the Enlightenment?

Descartes, Locke, Voltaire, Hume, and Rousseau are mentioned as having developed influential ideas and political theories during the Enlightenment.

What was the intended effect of Enlightenment literature on its readers?

Enlightenment literature aimed to promote rational action among its readers, serving as a means of education and upbringing.

What was the significance of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's contribution to drama during the Enlightenment?

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing invented the bourgeois tragedy, making citizens the protagonists in a tragedy for the first time, which was previously reserved for the nobility.

What is the main theme of Lessing's play 'Nathan the Wise'?

The main theme of Lessing's play 'Nathan the Wise' is humanity, with the protagonist Nathan illustrating the equality of the three major monotheistic world religions and the importance of tolerance towards those with different beliefs.

How did the Enlightenment view the role of science and philosophy?

The Enlightenment viewed science and philosophy as being committed to the methods of rationalism and empiricism, where all knowledge should be derived from reason and sensory experience, not from God or outdated world views.