What basic principle guided the Enlightenment?



A. society tames unruly men

B. with the correct application of reason, man could solve any problem

C. science was man's creation and was thus flawed

D. man should incorporate mysticism into everyday life

Which do you think is the best answer?

yes, but i'm confused

What confuses you?

i do not know the answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment

The correct answer to the question "What basic principle guided the Enlightenment?" is B. with the correct application of reason, man could solve any problem.

To arrive at this answer, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the Enlightenment period. The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that took place in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized the use of reason, science, and skepticism in challenging traditional ideas and institutions like monarchy, religion, and superstition.

To find the answer, you can start by eliminating options that do not align with the principles of the Enlightenment. Option C, which states that science was man's creation and flawed, does not accurately represent the Enlightenment's view on science. Instead, the Enlightenment valued science as a tool for understanding and improving the world.

Similarly, option D, which suggests incorporating mysticism into everyday life, does not align with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and empirical evidence. The Enlightenment philosophers sought to challenge superstition and promote rational thinking over mystical beliefs.

Option A, which states that society tames unruly men, does not capture the core principle of the Enlightenment. While the Enlightenment did emphasize the importance of social order and reason in governing society, it went beyond the notion of taming individuals.

After eliminating the incorrect options, you are left with option B, which states that with the correct application of reason, man could solve any problem. This aligns with the central belief of the Enlightenment in the power of human reason to understand and transform the world.

Therefore, the basic principle that guided the Enlightenment was the belief in the capacity of human reason to solve problems and improve society.