What impact did the enlightenment ideas have on the french revolution?

First, it transformed the monarchy. It ushered in the new concept of the Republic. This was huge for that time. Although the Enlightenment philosophers criticized certain institutions of the Old Regime, they did not oppose the regime as such and did not consider themselves to be revolutionaries.

Second, the religion and the Church. The Enlightenment philosophers began to contest the dogma of the Catholic Church, which considered earthly life to be a simple passage towards eternal life. They challenged the teaching of the priests, divine revelation and Church traditions. The existence of one God, Creator of the Universe, was accepted, but His intervention in the history of humanity was rejected. “Creation submits only to the laws of nature” - is the concept known as ‘deism’.

Third, the new political and social values in society. Diderot declared that “man has only one duty: to be happy.” The Enlightenment thinkers’ goal was to apply rational analysis to all areas.

Forth, public opinion. The idea that there is a clear difference between public life and private life appeared. State authority together with administrative organization were considered forms of public authority. Social rules and order, gardens and markets were also considered public. Thus, public language is inaugurated, along with public conferences, and also the idea of public services.