One of Jonathan Swift's most important works, Gulliver's Travels, is considered an attack to the Enlightenment ideas. Swift’s writings on the academy show his doubt towards the Enlightenment’s “new science” and the way they used this science. He believed that science and scientific research are ultimately established on paths that lead to nowhere, because we as insensible humans are attempting to push our limits on concepts we do not entirely understand. In fact, Jonathan Swift was of the idea that the Age of Enlightenment was nothing other than a senseless voyage that fixed nothing of importance.
At first, it seems that the Enlightenment relied more on logic and reason rather than emotion, but the desire for more knowledge by pushing experimentation to its limits says otherwise. Gulliver, being exposed to different extremes of behavior, begins to reflect upon himself and his society.
This satirical work based on adventure, portrays the human folly in the Enlightenment. It was written to serve as a mirror to those experimental and revolutionary thinkers, rather than conforming to the common view that this era was going to send man into an era of progress. Swift's use of exaggeration of human characteristics creates satire, to criticize the human life.
At first, it seems that the Enlightenment relied more on logic and reason rather than emotion, but the desire for more knowledge by pushing experimentation to its limits says otherwise. Gulliver, being exposed to different extremes of behavior, begins to reflect upon himself and his society.
This satirical work based on adventure, portrays the human folly in the Enlightenment. It was written to serve as a mirror to those experimental and revolutionary thinkers, rather than conforming to the common view that this era was going to send man into an era of progress. Swift's use of exaggeration of human characteristics creates satire, to criticize the human life.