The purpose of this essay is to distinguish different perceptions about reason in lutheran Sweden during the 18th century enlightenment. By analyzing the discourse in the newly established scientific academy in Stockholm, I examine how the scientist valued reason and its relation to faith and science. Further I examine during which sociopolitical and theological contexts these perceptions formed and if the discourse can be explained by Lutheranism and a religious enlightenment. The study found a generally positive attitude towards reason as it was perceived as a gift from God and an important trait inherent only to humans. Reason had its limits however but these were not expressed as negatively as Luther warned during the 16th century. While Luther expressed great skepticism towards reason, especially in the realm of theology, the scientist had a more positive attitude. With previous research, this study finds that this shift in attitude, together with utilism, could be contributed to a religious enlightenment, in which a more orthodox church embrace enlightenment ideals – such as reason – to defend their faith and find a more solid ground during pressed times when criticism against religion grew and Pietism took hold.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-528740 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Grundberg, Cleo |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för idéhistoria |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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