Question

Beginning with the scientific revolutions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Enlightenment saw the rise of new scientific discoveries that progressively undermined not only the ancient conception of the world, but with it, the entire set of beliefs that had served to guide society. How does Mary Shelley's Frankenstein(1818) reflect the fear of scientific knowledge, especially in relation to social moral order.

Answer 1

Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' reflects Enlightenment-era fears of unchecked scientific advancement and its potential disruption to social and moral order, showcasing the consequences of pursuing knowledge without ethical consideration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) can be seen as a reflection of the fear of unfettered scientific knowledge and the disruption it may cause to social moral order, a theme prevalent during the time of the Enlightenment. The novel embodies anxieties about the role of science, most particularly in the ambitious character of Victor Frankenstein who, in his quest for understanding and power over life itself, neglects the ethical implications and responsibilities that accompany scientific discovery. Through the catastrophic consequences of Frankenstein’s pursuit, Shelley portrays the potential peril of science unchecked by morals or societal laws, echoing Enlightenment concerns about the limits of reason and the dangers of dismissing traditional moral structures.

The Enlightenment was characterized by a belief in reason and scientific thought being able to improve society. However, as the Enlightenment philosophers questioned traditional beliefs and practices, a fear arose that this new rationalism could undermine the established moral and social orders. Frankenstein captures the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the need to consider its moral and social repercussions, presenting a narrative cautionary tale of progress without foresight.