Recognition of enlightenment as a Faith

The enlightenment movement of 18th century Europe, has been classified as "debunking" in these forums - but out of the ideas proposed through this website it is one in which I have the greatest faith currently. I do not find enlightenment to be "anti faith". I find it to be pro faith. It gives me faith, based in reason, in people to act well.

I have been saddened to find that enlightenment thinkers have been asked not to engage with other thinkers due to, what I see as a misunderstanding of what it means to investigate, challenge ideas, or explore. I do not believe that anyone has demonstrated a lack of respect for persons, or of an open space for opinion, except perhaps where there has been a lack of clarity in defining where " I think" and where "my opinion" lies, and where certain sources are less than reliable.

I hope that enlightenment thinkers will be allowed in future to engage with thinkers of other kinds, so that all ideas may be developed. I have not found myself able to develop or deepen my spirituality an echo chamber that only reflects back to me the same ideas that I already have.

I recognise that there is a dichotomy seen between "scientific thinking" and "other thinking". But I think this is rubbish in this context. It's all thinking to me, and so discourse should easily be possible if there is no creation of an artificial boundary.

I like this Twigga, in my opinion, I think there is nothing wrong with a healthy debate between persons of differing opinions, it opens your eyes to other horizons.

Well said

Nihilism is not necessarily the only possible conclusion of a purely rationalistic worldview, but its a very likely conclusion of a purely rationalistic worldview. I dont have faith at all that people will generally behave “well” in a fundamentally nihilstic society. Why should they? There isnt really any such thing to a nihilist as “good” behavior. The logical way for such a person to act is so that they get what they desire without being punished. This doesnt mean they behave well, but that they are careful not to get caught when they behave badly.

Edit: i do like the idea that “Enlightenment” qualifies as a faith, though.

OB1Shinobi wrote:
Edit: i do like the idea that “Enlightenment” qualifies as a faith, though.

I see it as a faith in the process, not the end result of the process. It is the journey not the destination and if we cant explore the depth of truth what good will we ever hope to achieve as a species.

Hmm... I find nihilism very difficult too OB1 - but I've not found it synonymous with my exploring of the enlightenment thinking of the 18th century... Not yet. It has cool things in it, like rights for women, and the separation of powers as well as science and more amateur musicians :laugh:
There seems to be an awful lot of focus on learning, and development. The betterment of society for the poorest in society. And a lot of THAT is based on an unflinching attitude towards truth - sought diligently and earnestly - science was a great tool for spreading enlightenment thinking and the benefits of it in it's wake. That's my understanding so far.