key term - Extreme Poverty

Definition

Extreme poverty refers to the condition in which individuals live on less than $1.90 a day, lacking basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. This term connects deeply with social, economic, and political realities during periods of significant change, such as the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, where ideas about human rights and social progress began to emerge. The philosophical shifts of these eras encouraged a reevaluation of the societal structures that contributed to extreme poverty and highlighted the importance of improving the conditions of the underprivileged.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extreme poverty affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to education and healthcare is limited.
2. The Scientific Revolution introduced new ways of thinking that questioned existing social hierarchies, which indirectly contributed to discussions about poverty and inequality.
3. The Enlightenment's focus on reason and equality led to advocacy for social reforms aimed at alleviating poverty and improving living conditions for all.
4. Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued for the inherent rights of individuals, which laid the groundwork for later movements aimed at addressing extreme poverty.
5. Global initiatives like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals include specific targets to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, emphasizing its significance in modern discussions about social justice.

Review Questions

• How did the ideas of the Enlightenment contribute to changing perceptions about extreme poverty?
  • The Enlightenment emphasized reason, individual rights, and the idea that all individuals are entitled to certain freedoms. Philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau advocated for social justice and questioned existing inequalities. This shift in thought encouraged a growing awareness of extreme poverty as not just a personal failing but a societal issue that needed addressing through reform and collective action.
• In what ways did the Scientific Revolution challenge traditional views that contributed to extreme poverty?
  • The Scientific Revolution promoted a culture of inquiry and skepticism towards accepted norms. By encouraging critical thinking and empirical evidence, it challenged established social hierarchies that often marginalized the poor. New discoveries and technological advances inspired ideas about human progress, leading many to question why society could not provide better living conditions for all individuals, including those in extreme poverty.
• Evaluate the role of utilitarianism in shaping policies aimed at reducing extreme poverty during the Enlightenment period.
  • Utilitarianism significantly influenced Enlightenment thinkers by proposing that actions should be judged based on their ability to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This perspective led to policies focused on welfare improvements and social reforms aimed at reducing extreme poverty. Thinkers like Jeremy Bentham argued for systemic changes that would benefit society as a whole, paving the way for government initiatives aimed at uplifting those living in extreme conditions.

Related terms

Enlightenment:

A cultural and intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Social Contract:

A theory in political philosophy that individuals consent to form societies and governments to ensure their rights and welfare are protected.

Utilitarianism:

An ethical theory that suggests actions are right if they promote happiness or benefit the majority, often applied to social reform efforts.