Final answer:
Isaac Newton was influenced by the Enlightenment, as his scientific ideas aligned with the principles of reason and progress.
His laws of motion and concept of gravity provided a rational framework for understanding the natural world, which influenced the Enlightenment thinkers. Newton's work inspired philosophers to develop ideas about natural rights and society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Isaac Newton was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, which was a philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and progress.
Newton's ideas and theories were in line with the Enlightenment thinkers, as he used empirical observation and mathematical logic to understand the workings of the universe. His laws of motion and his concept of gravity demonstrated a rational and predictable framework for the natural world, which resonated with the Enlightenment's focus on natural laws.
The Enlightenment thinkers sought to apply the principles of the scientific revolution to society, politics, and the economy, and Newton's work provided a model for viewing and understanding these aspects of human life.
Newton's ideas, along with the discoveries and advancements of other scientists, inspired philosophers like John Locke, Adam Smith, and Voltaire to develop ideas about natural rights and society that were central to the Enlightenment.
Overall, Newton's influence on the Enlightenment can be seen in how his scientific ideas shaped the way people thought about the physical universe and applied rationality to other areas of life.