Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It marked a shift towards rational thought and scientific inquiry, influencing various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment challenged traditional beliefs, advocating for reason as the basis for knowledge and ethical behavior.
2. Key figures like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant promoted ideas that emphasized individual rights, liberty, and the separation of church and state.
3. The movement influenced the Great Awakening by encouraging people to think critically about religious beliefs and practices.
4. Enlightenment ideas were foundational in shaping modern democratic thought and influenced the American Revolution and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
5. Literature during this period often reflected Enlightenment ideals through satire, essays, and poetry that critiqued society and promoted reasoned discourse.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers influence religious movements such as the Great Awakening?
  • Enlightenment thinkers promoted the use of reason and skepticism towards traditional authority, which encouraged individuals to question established religious beliefs during the Great Awakening. This intellectual climate led to a surge in personal faith experiences and emotional expressions of spirituality, as people sought to reconcile rational thought with religious devotion. Consequently, many religious leaders adopted Enlightenment ideas to engage their congregations more deeply, blending rational inquiry with spiritual fervor.
• In what ways did Benjamin Franklin's writings reflect Enlightenment principles?
  • Benjamin Franklin's essays and almanacs embodied Enlightenment principles through their promotion of reason, practicality, and self-improvement. He emphasized virtues like frugality, industry, and education, advocating for a rational approach to life. Franklin’s wit and use of satire also reflected Enlightenment ideals by critiquing societal norms while encouraging readers to think critically about their choices and beliefs, thereby fostering a spirit of inquiry consistent with Enlightenment thought.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ideals on political pamphlets during the American Revolution.
  • Enlightenment ideals had a profound impact on political pamphlets during the American Revolution by promoting concepts like liberty, equality, and government accountability. Writers such as Thomas Paine used these principles to argue against British rule in works like 'Common Sense,' which galvanized public support for independence by framing it as a rational choice based on natural rights. This shift in thinking inspired colonists to challenge traditional authority and advocate for a new democratic framework rooted in Enlightenment philosophy, ultimately influencing the formation of the United States.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that knowledge should be based on logical deduction rather than sensory experience.

Empiricism:

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense experience, emphasizing the importance of observation and experimentation in the formation of ideas.

Social Contract: A political theory positing that individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights and maintain order, giving rise to concepts of democracy and governance.