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1. To what extent did the Enlightenment express optimistic ideas in eighteenth century Europe? Illustrate your answer with references to specific individuals and their works. (1998, #5) During the eighteenth century, Europeans experienced the dawning of an age of knowledge, reasoning, and of great scientific achievements. Their views toward new discoveries and advancements were optimistic. People began to turn to science for a better understanding of their world and their society. Literature and essays were commonly used to …

…Europeans’ ideas of education, society, and politics were optimistic. Their works of art, literature, and science, helped pave the way for future advancements. Works Cited “Age of Enlightenment,” Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99 “Rene Descartes” Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99 “John Locke” Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99 “Sir Isaac Newton Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99 Buckler, John, Bennett D. Hill and John P. McKay. A History of Western Society, A. 6th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999. “Age of Enlightenment” http://www.EuroHist.org