A. In this “Age of Reason and Enlightenment,”
people began to look to science to explain natural phenomena, and explore how
something occurred, rather than focusing on why. Does science continue to exist in conflict
with religion or can (and do) the two exist side by side, complementing each
other?
B. Deism, a religious perspective presented in
this time period, viewed the universe as a perfect mechanism which God had
created, built, and then left to run on its own. What contradictions did this view hold to the
traditional views presented in religion up to this point? How did this view allow for scientific
thought to continue to progress?
C. If this age is the "birth of
journalism", then how do you believe journalism has changed and grown over
time and why? Take a historical
perspective to look at this question with more depth.
D. Satire plays
an important role in both this society and our own, offering a venue by which
to criticize through humor and wit. Do you feel satire aids in the
discussion and solving of societal difficulties, or do you feel it hinders
progress?
E. Consider why the industrial revolution put an end to the era known as the Age of Enlightenment. How do these two revolutionary ideas contrast one another? Can the world exist and progress with only one of these, or do both need to exist simultaneously?
F. Check out a few of the paintings of William Hogarth, a popular artist of the time period. In looking at the details included in his artistic works, explain how they may have reflected a satirical view of the times and the people of aristocratic England. Then, examine a satirical artist of today ( in drawing, art, photography, film, etc.) and explore how his/her ideas are reflections of modern society.
E. Consider why the industrial revolution put an end to the era known as the Age of Enlightenment. How do these two revolutionary ideas contrast one another? Can the world exist and progress with only one of these, or do both need to exist simultaneously?
F. Check out a few of the paintings of William Hogarth, a popular artist of the time period. In looking at the details included in his artistic works, explain how they may have reflected a satirical view of the times and the people of aristocratic England. Then, examine a satirical artist of today ( in drawing, art, photography, film, etc.) and explore how his/her ideas are reflections of modern society.
G. Read about
the lives of the "haves" (pp. 472-473) and the "have nots" (pp.
478-479) in England at this time. How might these circumstances have
perpetuated a culture in which satirical views would have thrived?
