How did rationalism influence Enlightenment ideas about science and human progress?

Rationalism significantly shaped Enlightenment thought by establishing human reason as the primary authority for understanding the universe, independent of traditional religious or institutional dogma.12

Influence on Science

Rationalism provided the methodological framework for the Scientific Revolution. Thinkers like René Descartes sought to apply the rigor and clarity of mathematics to all knowledge. This approach viewed nature as a mechanism governed by calculable, universal laws. The success of Isaac Newton in describing planetary motion through mathematical equations reinforced the belief that the universe was intelligible and that human reason could uncover its fundamental truths without relying on divine revelation.312

Influence on Human Progress

This reliance on reason fostered a profound optimism regarding human potential. By applying rational inquiry to psychology, ethics, and social organization, Enlightenment figures challenged authoritarian structures. They envisioned society as a social contract designed to protect natural rights rather than an extension of divine order. This shift established the enduring belief that human history is a record of general progress, driven by the capacity of unfettered minds to improve their own condition through knowledge, freedom, and democracy.1