The philosophes were a group of thinkers and intellectuals in the 18th century who believed in reason, science, and progress, and sought to change the world through their ideas. Here are two ways in which they sought to do this:
Critiquing Traditional Institutions: One way in which the philosophes sought to change the world was by critiquing traditional institutions such as the monarchy, the Catholic Church, and the aristocracy. They believed that these institutions were outdated and oppressive, and that they needed to be reformed or replaced with new, more democratic forms of government and social organization. For example, thinkers such as Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau advocated for the separation of powers, religious tolerance, and the rights of the individual, which had a profound impact on the development of modern liberal democracies.
Promoting Scientific Progress: Another way in which the philosophes sought to change the world was by promoting scientific progress and rational inquiry. They believed that the human mind was capable of understanding the natural world through reason and observation, and that this knowledge could be used to improve society and human life. For example, Denis Diderot, the editor of the Encyclopédie, sought to gather and disseminate knowledge across various fields such as science, philosophy, and politics in order to promote progress and enlightenment. Similarly, thinkers such as Adam Smith and David Hume sought to apply the principles of reason and observation to economics and social relations, which laid the groundwork for modern economic theories and social sciences.
Overall, the philosophes sought to change the world by challenging traditional institutions and promoting scientific progress and rational inquiry. Their ideas and principles had a profound impact on the development of modern Western society and continue to influence intellectual and political discourse today.