Question

Discuss the social effects of Locke’s and Newton’s ideas.

Answer 1

In the late 17th century also known as Age of Reason, old ideas which were represented by superstition, god or devil, and absolute yielding to authorities like lords or kings, were challenged by the ideas of scientists like Isaac Newton and writers like John Locke. Their rationale and beliefs motivated the thinkers to start a modern world around them.

John Locke propounded that governments are a non religious creation. Thus religion and state should be entirely different. He also said that people have the right to change the government which could not protect their natural rights like their life, prosperity and liberty. John Locke also gave a philosophy known as 'Tabula Rasa' which means that at the time of birth the mind of a human is like a blank page without any rule and the rules are formed completely by one's experiences in life. He also propunded that human nature is changeable and can be shaped by changing the environment. Newton's laws of gravity and motion described natural laws which was beyond any spiritual force. Principa Mathmatica, one of the most important books written by Isaac Newton, lays the foundation for modern physics and explained the laws of physics. This motivated the natural philosophers to directly begin study of nature and avoid and supernaturalism. He also amalgamated combined physics with astronomy . He insisted on the use of factual experience to check rational conjecture. This educated people to find belief in science and stop assuming all things that are not understood were the works of God or Satan. Thus the thinkers of the Age of Reason signalled a new way of thinking. This new way advocated the achievements of humankind. Individuals did not have to accept hopelessness. Rationality and science brought progression and happiness.