ENLIGHTENMENT: THE REVOLUTIONARY THOUGHT OF THE BOURGEOISIE

Abstract

This book is an invitation to delve into one of the most transformative periods in human history: the Enlightenment. More than an era of profound change, the Enlightenment was an intellectual, social and political movement that redefined the foundations of Western society. Through this work, we seek to uncover the elements that formed the revolutionary thinking of the bourgeoisie, a class that played a central role in the promotion and dissemination of Enlightenment ideas. With a detailed and reflective approach, this book offers the reader a broad and well-founded understanding of the impact of this movement on different aspects of human life.
The title "Enlightenment: The Revolutionary Thought of the Bourgeoisie" reflects the essence of the work, which is to explore how the values ​​of freedom, equality, progress and rationality, spread by the Enlightenment, influenced and were shaped by the aspirations of the bourgeoisie. This emerging class stood out for its desire to break with the feudal and absolutist structures that dominated Europe, seeking new paths towards a more just and modern society. The book examines not only the philosophical foundations of the Enlightenment, but also the practical results of its ideas, which culminated in profound political, social, economic and cultural changes.
The introduction to the book provides an initial overview of the historical context in which the Enlightenment developed. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Europe was experiencing a period of transition, marked by tensions between the old feudal structures and the emergence of new social forces, such as the bourgeoisie. This chapter presents how the Enlightenment movement emerged as a response to centuries of religious dogmatism, monarchical absolutism and social injustices. The introduction also highlights the relevance of the Enlightenment as a precursor to great modern revolutions, such as the French Revolution and the Independence of the United States.

Furthermore, the reader will be guided to understand how the scientific advances of the time, driven by figures such as Newton and Galileo, contributed to the consolidation of rational and critical thinking. This new way of thinking rejected authority based on tradition and religion, proposing instead knowledge based on reason, observation and experimentation. It is in this scenario that the Enlightenment presented itself as a disruptive movement, whose ideas would influence not only the intellectual field, but the very structure of societies.
The Thinking Pillars of the Enlightenment. This chapter is dedicated to the great names that shaped the Enlightenment. Here, we explore the contributions of philosophers such as Voltaire, who defended freedom of expression and religious tolerance; Rousseau, with his critique of social inequalities and his conception of the social contract; Montesquieu, whose theory of the separation of powers became the basis for modern democracies; and Kant, who synthesized the Enlightenment spirit with his famous motto "Sapere aude" (Dare to know).
Each thinker is analyzed not only in terms of their ideas, but also in the context in which they were inserted, showing how their reflections dialogued with the demands and challenges of the time. The divergences between them are also discussed, evidencing that the Enlightenment was not a monolithic movement, but rather a space of debates and contradictions that enriched its complexity and scope.
The chapter also addresses the role of the press and literary salons, which became important means of disseminating Enlightenment ideas. It was through these spaces that the bourgeoisie had access to the works of the philosophers, appropriating their ideals and transforming them into a driving force for social and political change.
The Historiography of the Enlightenment. In this section, the book presents a critical analysis of how the Enlightenment has been interpreted over the centuries. From the earliest historical records to contemporary revisions, the historiography of the Enlightenment reveals how narratives about the movement were shaped by different contexts and interests. We discuss, for example, how the Enlightenment was exalted during the French Revolution as the ideological basis for the overthrow of the Ancien Régime. On the other hand, we address the criticisms raised by postmodern thinkers, who question the limits and contradictions of the Enlightenment project, such as its role in legitimizing colonialism and the exclusion of certain social groups.
The chapter also examines Marxist interpretations of the Enlightenment, which highlight its connection with the rise of the bourgeoisie and the development of capitalism. This historiographical approach helps the reader understand the Enlightenment not only as an event of the past, but as a movement whose ideas continue to influence contemporary debates about freedom, equality, and progress.
Results and Facts of the Enlightenment
The last chapter of the book presents the practical results of the Enlightenment, highlighting how its ideas materialized in concrete events and transformations. Among the most notable examples, we explore the French Revolution, which abolished the absolute monarchy and gave rise to a new political order based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
We also discuss the contributions of the Enlightenment to the advancement of science, education, and human rights. It was during this period that the first encyclopedias appeared, symbols of the Enlightenment effort to gather and democratize knowledge. Likewise, the movement fueled debates on the abolition of slavery, gender equality, and religious freedom, topics that, although still incomplete, gained momentum from Enlightenment reflections.
Finally, the chapter analyzes the limitations and challenges faced by the Enlightenment. Despite its advances, many of its promises did not come true for all social groups, especially women, workers, and colonized populations. This critical reflection is essential for us to understand the ambivalent legacy of the movement and its implications for the contemporary world.
Final Considerations
This book is more than a historical analysis of the Enlightenment; is an invitation to reflect on the values ​​that have shaped our society and continue to influence our decisions and ideals. We hope that this work inspires the reader to revisit the past, not only to understand its achievements, but also to identify the challenges that still persist. After all, the Enlightenment spirit, with its search for reason and progress, remains a guiding light for those who believe in a more just and egalitarian world.

The authors