The 18th Century: A

Time of Innovation and

Enlightenment
The 18th century, often referred to as the Age of
Enlightenment, was marked by significant advancements in
science, technology, and philosophical thoughts. It
witnessed the emergence of influential intellectuals and the
development of revolutionary ideas that shaped the modern
world.

by Yevhen
Kariaha
Structure
- Key figures in 18th century science and technology
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
- Thoughts in 18th century
Rationalism and Empiricism
Individualism and Humanism
Secularism and Skepticism
- Conclusion
- Sources
Map of Europe in 1700
Key figures in 18th century science and
technology

Benjamin Franklin Caroline Herschel Carolus Linnaeus

American polymath Caroline Herschel was a Caroline Herschel was a
Benjamin Franklin German astronomer who German astronomer who
contributed to the discovered several discovered several
understanding of comets and was the first comets and was the first
electricity and is known woman to receive a woman to receive a
for his inventions, such salary as a scientist. salary as a scientist.
as the lightning rod.
Benjamin Franklin
In the 18th century began active study of electricity.
Discoveries such as experiments:
- the electrification of bodies
- the development of electrostatics
Benjamin Franklin's work on the nature of lightning led to a
greater understanding of electrical phenomena. The experiment's
purpose was to investigate the nature of lightning and electricity,
which were not yet understood. Combined with further
experiments on the ground, the kite experiment demonstrated that
lightning and electricity were the result of the same phenomenon.
Caroline Herschel

Caroline Herschel (borned in Hannover) was a German-born British

astronomer who was is considered the first professional female
astronomer. She made important contributions to the work of her
brother Sir William Herschel, executing many of the calculations
connected with his studies. On her own, she detected by telescope three
nebulae in 1783, and in 1786 she became the first woman to discover a
comet; over the next 11 years she spotted seven other comets. Also
William Herschel discovered in 1781 the planet Uranus.
Carolus Linnaeus
Swedish naturalist and explorer who was the first to frame
principles for defining natural genera and species of
organisms and to create a uniform system for naming them
(binomial nomenclature).
- Medicine: Linnaeus also made significant contributions to
medicine, studying medicinal plants and writing Materials
for Practical Medicine.
Carolus Linnaeus
- Botany and Zoology: His works in the field of botany and
zoology, such as 'System natura' and 'Species Plantarum',
became fundamental for the development of these sciences.
Thoughts
The 18th century, often referred to as the Age of
Enlightenment or the Age of Reason, was a period of
profound intellectual and cultural change. Here are
some key thoughts that emerged during this era
Rationalism and Empiricism
Individualism and Humanism
Secularism and Skepticism
 Rationalism and Empiricism

Representative: Representative:
Gottfried Wilhelm David Hume
Leibniz

In the 18th century, the main representative of rationalism was Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz a German philosopher, mathematician, historian, lawyer and diplomat. On the
other hand, the main representative of empiricism in the 18th century was David
Hume, a Scottish philosopher, historian and economist.
 Individualism and Humanism
Enlightenment thought placed a strong emphasis on the
dignity and autonomy of the individual. Human rights,
freedoms, and the pursuit of happiness became central ideas,
challenging traditional notions of authority and hierarchy.
Representative:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau, in his works, actively advocated the protection of
individual rights and freedoms, and also defended the idea of ​
natural freedom and equality of people. He also advocated
the development of education and self-awareness,
emphasizing the importance of public education and moral
improvement.
 Secularism and Skepticism
Enlightenment thinkers questioned religious dogma and
authority, advocating for secularism and the separation of
church and state. Skepticism towards established beliefs and
institutions fostered a spirit of critical inquiry and scientific
discovery.
Representative:
Voltaire
Voltaire was one of the most influential thinkers of the
Enlightenment and actively opposed the privileges of the
church. Voltaire openly expressed his doubts about traditional
religious teachings and often criticized them in his writings.
Voltaire supported the ideas of tolerance, freedom of thought
and religion, and also advocated the separation of church and
state. His works contributed to the spread of secularist and
skeptical views in Europe.
Conclusion and Key
Takeaways
The 18th century was a period of remarkable scientific and
technological advancements, as well as intellectual and
cultural revolutions. It laid the foundations for modern
science, industry, and philosophy, shaping the world we live
in today. The era's legacy continues to influence society and
innovation in profound ways.
Sources
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caroline-Lucretia-Herschel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite_experiment
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Herschel
https://
www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Herschel/Caroline
_and_William_Herschel_Revealing_the_invisible

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carolus-Linnaeus
https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/rationalism-vs-empiricism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individualism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secularism
https://www.britannica.com/topic/skepticism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Jacques_Rousseau
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Jacques-Rousseau
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltaire
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Voltaire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Wilhelm_Leibniz