The Enlightenment, which took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, indeed marked a significant departure from traditional ways of thinking in both scientific knowledge and religion.
- **Scientific Knowledge**: During the Enlightenment, there was a paradigm shift in scientific thinking. Prior to this period, much of Europe was under the influence of religious dogma, particularly the Catholic Church. Scientific progress was often stifled by religious authorities. However, the Enlightenment emphasized reason, empirical evidence, and the scientific method. Thinkers like Isaac Newton, for instance, revolutionized physics with his laws of motion and universal gravitation. These developments laid the foundation for modern science, which continues to prioritize empirical evidence over religious doctrine.
- **Religion**: The Enlightenment also challenged the dominance of religion in various ways. Philosophers like Voltaire and Denis Diderot criticized religious institutions for their power and intolerance. The concept of religious tolerance and secularism gained traction during this era. The idea that individuals should have the freedom to choose their religious beliefs or even to be non-religious became more prevalent. This shift in thinking contributed to the separation of church and state in many Western societies, promoting a more secular approach to governance.
In summary, the Enlightenment did mark a sharp break from the past in terms of scientific knowledge and religion. It promoted reason, science, and secularism over religious authority and tradition, leading to significant changes in how society approached both domains.