What was the goal of the philosophes? Did their movement have an impact on our lives today?

http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Philosophes

Yes.

The philosophes were Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century who sought to apply reason and logic to all aspects of human life, including politics, society, and religion. Their goal was to challenge traditional beliefs and institutions, promote knowledge and intellectual progress, and advocate for individual rights and freedoms.

To understand the impact of the philosophes on our lives today, we can examine their ideas and the lasting influence they have had on various fields:

1. Political Thought: The philosophes championed principles such as liberty, equality, and the separation of powers, which laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems and the concept of human rights.

2. Science and Reason: They emphasized scientific inquiry, observation, and reasoning as the foundations of knowledge and progress. This helped pave the way for the scientific method and the advancement of modern science and technology.

3. Critique of Religion: The philosophes challenged religious dogma and advocated for religious tolerance and freedom of thought, influencing the development of secular societies and the separation of church and state.

4. Social Progress: They formulated ideas about social justice, advocating for the abolition of slavery, improvements in education, and the elimination of social and legal inequalities. These ideas continue to shape social movements and quests for equality today.

5. Free Speech and Press: The philosophes defended the freedom of expression and the press, which became fundamental principles in modern democracies.

Overall, the ideas and principles put forth by the philosophes have had a substantial impact on our lives today. Their works shaped political systems, scientific advancements, religious tolerance, social reforms, and the preservation of individual liberties. These enduring concepts continue to influence and inspire enlightened thinking and progressive actions in various domains.