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 sought to challenge established norms and promote ideas such as liberty, equality, and scientific inquiry, influencing revolutions and societal changes worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who greatly influenced political thought.
2. The ideas of the Enlightenment directly inspired significant revolutions, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, promoting democratic ideals.
3. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of education and scientific progress, leading to advancements in various fields such as philosophy, science, and politics.
4. The movement encouraged skepticism towards religious authority, promoting secularism and questioning the divine right of kings.
5. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic societies by advocating for individual rights, social equality, and government accountability.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence political revolutions in the 18th century?
  • The Enlightenment significantly influenced political revolutions by introducing ideas such as liberty, equality, and the social contract. Philosophers like John Locke argued for natural rights, which inspired colonists in America to seek independence from British rule. In France, Enlightenment thinkers criticized absolute monarchy and advocated for popular sovereignty, contributing to the revolutionary spirit that led to the French Revolution.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ideas on social structures in Europe during the 18th century.
  • Enlightenment ideas challenged traditional social hierarchies and norms in Europe. The emphasis on reason and individual rights led to questioning of feudal structures and absolute monarchy. This shift encouraged movements toward greater social equality and justice, prompting reforms that dismantled rigid class distinctions. As a result, the Enlightenment played a crucial role in paving the way for modern democratic ideals and more egalitarian societies.
• Analyze how the Enlightenment shaped modern concepts of governance and society in a global context.
  • The Enlightenment fundamentally reshaped modern concepts of governance by introducing principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and civil liberties. Its impact reached beyond Europe, influencing revolutions in Latin America and Asia as well. The movement's promotion of human rights and rational governance encouraged nations worldwide to rethink their political systems, leading to the establishment of republics based on democratic values. As such, the Enlightenment's legacy continues to resonate globally in contemporary discussions about democracy, individual freedoms, and human rights.

Related terms

Rationalism: The belief that reason and logical thought are the primary sources of knowledge, often associated with philosophers like René Descartes.

Social Contract:

A theory developed by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, proposing that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed.

Humanism: A cultural and intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing classical learning and values.