Holbach's Criticism Of The Philosophers In The 17th Century

The Scientific Revolution was a period in 17th century Europe when dramatic advances in science and technology were made. These advances challenged the teachings of the Church as well as previously held assumptions about the natural world. Scientists responsible for this intellectual revolution were concerned with establishing truth by careful observation, strict methodology, and reason. This focus on reason and experimentation inspired a group of thinkers, called “philosophes” in 18th century France, who launched the Enlightenment Movement.
Prior to the 17th century, philosophers and scientists had viewed the natural world through certain assumptions that could not be tested. For instance, the Aristotelian view that the universe consisted of four elements (air, fire, water, and earth) still held 2,000 years later. In addition, the Church proclaimed that the Earth stood at the center of the universe, fixed and immobile. However, the inventions of instruments such as the telescope, microscope, barometer, and air

Similar to scientists of the 17th century, arriving at truth through reason without any preconceived notions was the ultimate goal for the philosophes. As Holbach stated, “Rely on reason, experience, and nature as guides” (Sherman, 93). A common thread that united the philosophes was their criticism of the Church, which they viewed as an oppressive force imposing its views upon the individual. They believed that the Church should only focus on the “salvation of souls” (Crocker in Sherman, 101). Another link among the philosophes was their belief that human beings must use their own reason and intellect to conduct their lives. As Kant stated, the principle of enlightenment is to “have the courage to use your own intelligence” (Sherman, 92). The Enlightenment’s focus on reason is a clear reflection of Robert Boyle’s strict empirical approach to