Newton's work seemed to prove that order and mathematically demonstrable laws were at work in the physical universe. ... They were also willing to entertain, although not necessarily accept, new heresies--such as atheism or the belief that the earth had gradually evolved or the view that the Bible was a series of wise stories but not the literal word of God. ... The philosophes helped shaped, if not define, the modern outlook....

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• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate