Enlightenment

The ideas of the Enlightenment differed from previous European thought because they were based upon a foundation of science instead of religion and reason instead of superstition. This did not mean they were atheist although. Deism was the belief in a greater being but one that does not interfere in the world or with people. This new scientific way of looking at the world allowed for the development of new theories about political philosophy, a new understanding of economics, and the radical idea that all men should have equal opportunity in society. For the first time, traditions could be questioned and in some cases, a healthy skepticism was encouraged. This skeptical view of the world still is practiced today, with the idea of taking someone's word with a grain of salt and not believing things just because a person is in a position of power.