Enlightenment thinkers are juxtaposed to modern-day activists, such as the writer Laurie Penny and the architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel.
The age of enlightenment dawned in Europe in the 18th century. People began to believe that humanity holds the key to creating a better world. Among them was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the philosopher and mathematician, who posited the idea that humankind lives in the best of all possible worlds, and are rational beings capable of bringing order to chaos. In this episode we also explore the life and times of German playwright Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and French revolutionary Olympe de Gouges.
In the 17th century – the century of the Enlightenment – the new faith in reason laid the foundations for modern, western society. Today, nearly 300 years after Leibniz lived, the digital age is seen by many as the fulfillment of the dream of the enlightened individual. But is reason enough?
This episode’s present-day protagonists include feminist blogger Laurie Penny and architect and visionary Van Bo Le-Mentzel. They speak about hope, happiness and whether knowledge of different cultures is enough for peace to prevail.
Part 1 – The Leap to Freedom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3QpYzrRiTg
Part 2 – The Quest for Truth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-HIt_XPyqU
Part 3 – The Road to Equality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jinma166biU
Part 4 – The Dream of Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZ5WXjMprg
Part 5 – Power and Responsibility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGQ_3uOBm2Y
Part 6 – Faith in the Future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GHGeC3WKNw
Find out more about 500 years of the Reformation here: http://www.dw.com/en/top-stories/500-years-of-the-reformation/s-30092
_______
Exciting, powerful and informative – DW Documentary is always close to current affairs and international events. Our eclectic mix of award-winning films and reports take you straight to the heart of the story. Dive into different cultures, journey across distant lands, and discover the inner workings of modern-day life. Subscribe and explore the world around you – every day, one DW Documentary at a time.
Subscribe to DW Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW39zufHfsuGgpLviKh297Q?sub_confirmation=1#
For more information visit:
https://www.dw.com/documentaries
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dw.stories