Renaissance vs Enlightenment

Renaissance worldview and Enlightenment worldview are periods in the European History. Both made a major impact in the continent affecting certain aspects of science, mathematics, art, culture and philosophy. These periods are often discussed in school and, most of the time, determining how they differ is confusing.

Renaissance Worldview

Fourteenth to sixteenth centuries was the Renaissance Period in Europe, it followed the Middle Ages. The word Renaissance is the French word for “rebirth” and this was referred to as the Golden Age of both cultural, artistic and man’s intellectual thought. During this period, notable contributions in various areas such as music, architecture, drama and poetry were made. Names like Shakespeare and Mozart became famous during this era.

Enlightenment Worldview

If Renaissance mostly covered the artistic aspects, Enlightenment Worldview is associated with the advancement in Science, rationality, industrialization, calculus and astronomy. This era is also normally referred to as the Age of Reason. During these times, people believe that authority as well as legitimacy depended primarily on reason. The Enlightenment was basically developed through questioning the norm, questioning traditions, customs, morals, and believing solely on reason and science.

Difference between Renaissance Worldview and Enlightenment Worldview

Renaissance and Enlightenment worldviews can be seen as the same thing; they are both periods wherein man decided to make a change for the better. But here are some differences: Renaissance was mostly the artistic rebirth, it is when people like Leonardo da Vinci and Copernicus itched their name on history. On the other hand, Enlightenment’s main focus was on the intellectual side; reasons and science. One can say that Renaissance was the era wherein man “perfected” their artistic talents, while the Enlightenment period was when man based everything he does on science and rationality.

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