Intellectual Revolution--Was's Postmodern Interpretation

The Intellectualhtt Revolution of the 16th-18th Centuries created a new Western Civilization that improved on its rational, mathematical interpretation of the universe and society. New ideas on government (applied in the US Constitution), new ideas on natural rights, new ideas on the penal code exploded throughout Europe, creating a new wave of skepticism that elevated Western Culture.

With that said, one cannot accept all aspects of this Revolution since it was driven by the bourgeoisie in hopes of crushing the feudal order and absolutism of the age. If this was not true, why was Great Britain not the leader during the 18th Century? The answer is obvious--the French bourgeoisie and liberal nobles desired a new society from from traditional restraints. No where does a historian see where these changes directly or indirectly positively impact the peasantry. Quite on the contrary, the peasantry found increase oppression, even during the French Revolution.

The Intellectual Revolution saw the world from the merchant point-of-view. Rationally, the philosphes wanted to recreate society to better serve their interests. Women were ignored, slavery (even though it was attacked) was continued even during the French Revolution.
With these thoughts, one can say the Intellectual Revolution created a new social caste system that was not better for society but in some ways more oppressive.


BTW--this is more of a Postmodern, Neo-Marxist view