The Backlash against Enlightenment

The backlash against Enlightenment was a reaction against its emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights, which challenged traditional authority, religion, and social hierarchies. Some critics argued that the Enlightenment's focus on rationality underestimated emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of human life. Others feared it could undermine established institutions and moral values, leading to societal instability. This opposition sometimes took the form of conservative resistance to reforms, religious revival, or suspicion of scientific progress. Overall, the backlash reflected tensions between modernization and tradition, as some communities aimed to preserve long-standing beliefs and social structures against rapid change.