Why Benjamin Franklin Embodies The American Enlightenment. During the sixteen and seventeen hundreds an enlightenment was taking place. An American enlightenment. During this enlightenment people began to view things differently. They began to ask questions like how and why. People instead of looking to god for an answer they looked to science. They began to view things as miracles of chance instead creations of god. Benjamin Franklin, a New England puritan, ironically embodied this enlightenment. …showed first 75 words of 537 total…

…showed last 75 words of 537 total…the American Enlightenment. Benjamin Franklin not only embodied the American Enlightenment, he helped to lead it. Many followed his examples and created the train that led to our views of the world today. His use of science gave us many tools we still use today. Franklin today is known as a scholar, musician, superb politician and for his superb wit. What we have omitted in remembering though is his leading role in the American enlightenment.