Abstract

This paper aims at presenting an overview of the Enlightenment as it took place in eighteenth-century Britain. Throughout the text, this movement will be shown not only in terms of its philosophical aspects, but also considering the work of scientists and literati in general. The picture that will emerge from this will be that of a period concerned not only with rationality, but also with innovation, guided by a knowledge with strongly experimental overtones. Considerations will be presented not only about relevant authors and scientists, but also about the society of the time, and the way in which practice influenced scientific and intellectual discoveries and vice-versa.