How did Enlightenment thinkers such as Diderot and Voltaire
challenge religious structures? (1 point)
Diderot believed that freedom of religion would cause
problems within the state.
Voltaire believed that each state should only have one
religion, but Diderot disagreed.
Diderot and Voltaire used reasoning rather than religion to
explain the natural world.
Diderot and Voltaire believed that religion explained all
natural phenomena.
Diderot and Voltaire challenged religious structures by using reasoning rather than religion to explain the natural world. They believed that religion alone was not sufficient to understand and explain natural phenomena.
Diderot and Voltaire challenged religious structures in different ways. Diderot believed that freedom of religion would lead to complications within the state. This viewpoint suggested that allowing different religions to coexist can cause conflicts and potentially disrupt the social order. On the other hand, Voltaire argued that each state should only have one religion. However, Diderot disagreed with Voltaire on this matter.
Beyond their differing perspectives on religious freedom and state religions, both Diderot and Voltaire used reasoning rather than religion to explain the natural world. They advocated for the use of rationality, logic, and scientific inquiry to understand and interpret natural phenomena. This approach, known as scientific rationalism or empiricism, challenged the traditional reliance on religious explanations for natural phenomena.
To answer this question, we can see that options A and B are partially accurate, as they capture the viewpoints of Diderot and Voltaire respectively. However, option C is the most accurate choice. Diderot and Voltaire indeed favored reasoning over religion when it came to explaining the natural world. Option D is not supported by historical evidence, as Diderot and Voltaire questioned religious explanations rather than accepting them as sufficient.
Diderot and Voltaire challenged religious structures in different ways:
1. Diderot believed that freedom of religion would cause problems within the state. He argued that religious differences would lead to division and conflicts, undermining the unity of the state.
2. On the other hand, Voltaire believed that each state should only have one religion. He argued that religious tolerance would lead to social disorder, and that having a uniform religion would help maintain social order.
3. Both Diderot and Voltaire emphasized the importance of reasoning and rationality. They used secular, scientific explanations to understand and explain the natural world, rather than relying on religious beliefs and explanations.
4. While Diderot and Voltaire were critical of religious dogma and superstition, they did not reject religion entirely. They believed that religion was useful in explaining moral values and providing a framework for society, but they sought to limit its influence and challenge its authority in areas that they believed were best understood through reason and science.