Heroes of the Enlightenment

The 18th-century movement known as the Age of Enlightenment saw the rise of intellectuals who endorsed freedom of thought apart from the dictates of state and religion, thus laying the foundation for advances in science, social philosophy, and culture. This program discusses the contributions of Immanuel Kant, Isaac Newton, Denis Diderot, the Marquês de Pombal, and Erasmus Darwin.

By the end of the 18th century, many Enlightenment ideals about society had been put into practice by three remarkable men: Nicolas de Condorcet, who advocated for civil rights, the abolishment of slavery, and gender equality; Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence; and Frederick the Great, whose “enlightened absolutism” meant religious tolerance in Prussia. This program profiles their achievements.