In general, the period of the Enlightenment, also called Age of Reason, is characterized by the international spread of scientific ideas and rigorous philosophical and political discourse. While European Enlightenment was formed on the ideas of skepticism, individualism, and reason, American Enlightenment adopted the ideas of tolerance, deism, republicanism, liberation, and scientific progress as well. Scientists and philosophers aimed to perceive the nature of things and classify knowledge about the world through experiments and with the use of reasoning and critical thinking. They emphasize the importance of human responsibility instead of divine intervention. All in all, the Enlightenment helped limit the influence of the Church, defend human rights, and establish science as a reliable source of knowledge. During this period, philosophers, scientists, and other thinkers corresponded with each other, founded and joined scientific societies, and publish scientific journals in order to raise people’s awareness of humanity and the importance of reason. At the same time, it goes without saying that as a prominent American printer, inventor, and scientist, Benjamin Franklin considerably contributed to the American Enlightenment of the 18th century.
As a person with a passion to reading since his childhood, Franklin was a person whose ability to perceive and spread knowledge made him a contributor to the Enlightenment. While his father had a polemic divinity-related library, its books cannot satisfy Franklin’s anxiety for knowledge (Franklin 21). In addition, his desire to improve his language and the ability to defend his point of view on the basis of clear arguments determined his profession of a printer. It allowed Franklin to publish books and found newspapers serving as a reported, editor, and author. For him, printing was regarded as an ability spread information, introduce new ideas, and educate Americans for the purposes of humanism. Moreover, in his works, he emphasized the responsibility of every person for his actions – for instance in order to achieve moral perfection, Franklin elaborated on a particular plan to follow (Franklin 146). As a man of the Enlightenment, he again demonstrated the belief in a human’s power to control himself rather than God’s providence.
As an active follower of the Enlightenment’s ideas, Franklin contributed to their introduction in the traditional for that period way. In particular, he maintained communication with other philosophers and scientists worldwide through correspondence and founded his own scientific club Junto in which various ideas were discussed before their publication for the improvement of civic life (Franklin 169). In 1749, Franklin opened an academy for the civil education of youth in Pennsylvania (Franklin 217). It was peculiar as the first non-religious educational facility that focuses on modern languages, arts, and sciences for people to become successful public servants, businessmen, and active citizens in general.
Finally, it is impossible not to mention Franklin’s contribution in the form of his scientific discoveries. Being well acquainted with the scientific works of prominent scientists, he conducted his own experiments and introduced inventions, Thus, through his experiment with a kite, he proved that lightning was a specific form of electricity. Among his other discoveries are the lightning rod for the protection of facilities against lightning strikes, the Franklin stove, bifocals, and other items that are still used by millions of people on a daily basis.
To conclude, it is possible to state that as a genuine man of the Enlightenment, Benjamin Franklin substantially contributed to the multidimensional development of American society. As a philosopher and scientists, he developed ideas and discussed them with peers from all over the world. At the same time, as a printer, he used his opportunities to distribute knowledge and spread awareness of the importance of education, science, and human rights.
Work Cited
Franklin, Benjamin. Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Henry Holt and Company, 1916. Project Gutenberg.