Contemporary American libraries are products of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment-the intellectual and political movement that emerged in 18th century Europe-consolidated various scientific and political ideals into a worldview advocating scientific discovery and experimentation, reason as a touchstone of truth, intellectual freedom to study and publish, skepticism about received traditions, individual liberty, political and social equality among all persons, democracy, and toleration of diverse opinions among other beliefs. From the 17th century on, libraries were crucial to the...
Contemporary American libraries are products of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment-the intellectual and political movement that emerged in 18th cent...
