Week 5 Enlightenment

           In this week’s class we discussed Enlightenment Theory which began in Western Europe in the 17th century. The period of the Enlightenment introduces rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. Rationalism is the idea that through reason, knowledge is gained and understood. Empiricism believes that knowledge is gained through the senses and experiences felt through the senses. Skepticism says that true knowledge is impossible. 

  Rationalism is the idea that through reason, knowledge is gained and understood. Empiricism believes that knowledge is gained through the senses and experiences felt through the senses. Skepticism says that true knowledge does not exist. This theory begin with Rene Descartes who famously said “I think, therefore I am.” This was the birth of rational thought. The idea that all we need is our mind and common sense. 

  This theory begin with Rene Descartes who famously said “I think, therefore I am.” This was the birth of rational thought. The idea that all we need is our mind and common sense. In Alexander Pope’s Essay on Criticism he lists things to be aware of when giving criticism. His criticism is a neo-classicist reprisal, which means upholding rules and conventions. 

  Immanuel Kant introduced German Idealism which is the idea that how a person perceives an object is based on the properties we discover in them. I like this idea because I feel that people can look at one object but everyone can see something different based on their experiences or knowledge. Kants German Idealism is a mixture of rationalism and empiricism. 

          This painting reminds of me of what Kant talks about. This is a paint by Mark Rothko. I think it provokes a lot of emotion but it is abstract and different for everyone. This one painting does not mean the same thing for everyone just because it is painting.