Enlightenment
The enlightenment period was significant because it contributed to intellectual development and modification of philosophical thought. Enlightenment thinkers recognized the importance of using reason and empirical research in understanding the social world. They fought against irrational ways of thinking, such as superstitions, bigotry, and biased thinking. The enlightenment period became essential in freeing the human mind from a traditional or religious way of thinking to the adoption of methods, techniques, and concepts of natural science to shape social systems. Also, the enlightenment period was essential for the development of sociological thought today. The enlightenment era helped in recognizing the importance of using “truths” in defining human experiences. For instance, the use of scientific evidence assists in explaining issues such as power, social order, ideology, and inequality, among others. People become aware through reason and start to make decisions that reflect such understanding to solve social issues. For example, today, many would choose a leader with a track record of honesty and integrity over one with a history of corruption.
Yes, society today could be classified as a period of enlightenment. Many areas of society focus on scientific data and research to make decisions or develop systems that solve human problems. The use of rational, empirical, and scientific knowledge is highly regarded. However, it can also be said that sociological thought is conservative in nature. Sociology can be viewed as conservative because it emphasizes social order. Most aspects of sociology depend on natural laws that defend the existing arrangement to promote an orderly society. Things that violate the prevailing order are often viewed as a violation of the natural law. Society is marked by conservative perspective because it is based on a delicate network of social relationships often upheld based on duty, traditional values, and existing institutions.
Conservatism is the general scepticism of social change and desire to uphold the status quo on issues such as family issues, moral understanding, and political issues, among others. Donald Trump could be considered as one who strives to maintain a bourgeois position or specific social class in regards to social issues. In his 2016 campaign platform, Trump promised a return to the status quo that previously existed in America. The ideology would focus on promoting the interests of white America above all else. For example, his strict policy on immigration seems conservative because it often ignores underlying social issues such as the protection of vulnerable groups or promoting cultural diversity. Dominant ideologies often encompass beliefs, values, norms, and shared morals by a majority in a society. Such ideologies can be considered conservative because people holding these beliefs would strive to promote their own interests above all else. The majority would have a say over the minority.
One long-term effect of conservative thought is the destruction of conscience. For example, conservative beliefs that one’s race is superior would hinder such an individual from developing compassion or empathy for others. Conservative thoughts are often subjective, making it difficult for an objective mind. This gives rise to prejudice, bias, and discrimination that can cause havoc in society. Another problem with conservative thought is the destruction of reason. In most instances, conservative thoughts ignore rational thought or use of scientific data in reasoning. These problems can lead to suppression of other opinions creating havoc in society. For example, the suppressed or exploited would start to fight the status quo fight leading to constant warfare.