How did enlightenment values shape the policies introduced during the secular reforms in Mallorca?

Enlightenment values, rooted in reason, individual rights, and secular governance, significantly influenced the policies introduced during the secular reforms in Mallorca. These reforms, largely inspired by the broader European Enlightenment movement of the 18th century, aimed to modernize the island’s political and social structures by diminishing the traditional dominance of the Church and promoting a more rational, equitable administration. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for the application of reason and scientific thought to all areas of life, which led Mallorcan leaders to challenge longstanding religious privileges and seek a greater separation between church and state.

One of the central ways Enlightenment values shaped Mallorca’s secular reforms was through the promotion of education and legal equality. Reformers sought to establish secular schools to replace or supplement religious instruction, emphasizing critical thinking and practical knowledge over theological dogma. This educational shift was intended to foster a more informed and autonomous citizenry, better equipped to participate in civic life and economic development. Additionally, Enlightenment principles prompted reforms in the legal system, advocating for laws based on fairness and universal rights rather than ecclesiastical authority or traditional privilege. These changes helped lay the foundation for a more just and rational governance structure that recognized the rights of individuals over inherited church power.

Furthermore, the secular reforms in Mallorca reflected the Enlightenment emphasis on rational economic and administrative policies. By reducing the Church’s control over land and resources, the reforms aimed to capitalize on more efficient and productive use of Mallorca’s economy, which was primarily agrarian. Secular reformers often sought to diminish clerical tax exemptions and redirect revenue toward public goods such as infrastructure and social services, aligning with the Enlightenment belief in progress and the role of the state in improving citizens’ well-being. Overall, the secular reforms in Mallorca were deeply shaped by Enlightenment ideals that championed reason, equality, and secular governance as means to foster modernization and social advancement.