Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It promoted ideas about liberty, progress, and the scientific method, influencing various aspects of society including politics, education, and religion. This movement fostered a spirit of inquiry and encouraged people to challenge established norms, paving the way for significant social and cultural transformations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment inspired many American colonists to question British authority and seek independence, promoting ideals such as liberty and democracy.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment, like John Locke and Voltaire, championed individual rights and freedoms, significantly shaping political thought in America.
3. The movement encouraged a focus on education and reason over superstition, leading to advancements in science and philosophy.
4. Enlightenment thinkers argued against the divine right of kings, advocating for government based on consent and the protection of individual liberties.
5. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for future revolutions, such as the American Revolution and later the French Revolution, influencing global ideas about governance.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas contribute to the changing perspectives on governance in colonial society?
  • Enlightenment ideas significantly shifted perspectives on governance in colonial society by promoting concepts such as individual rights, liberty, and the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed. Thinkers like John Locke argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. These concepts inspired colonists to challenge British rule and demand a government that represented their interests and protected their freedoms.
• Discuss how the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason impacted religious beliefs during this period.
  • The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason led to a rise in skepticism toward traditional religious authority and practices. Many Enlightenment thinkers adopted Deism, which emphasized a rational understanding of God without reliance on organized religion. This shift encouraged people to seek personal interpretations of faith and contributed to movements like the Great Awakening, where individuals sought direct spiritual experiences rather than relying solely on institutional doctrines.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Enlightenment ideas on American political philosophy and global democratic movements.
  • The long-term effects of Enlightenment ideas are evident in American political philosophy through the incorporation of concepts like natural rights, social contracts, and the separation of powers into foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These principles not only shaped early American democracy but also inspired global democratic movements by promoting ideas of self-governance and human rights. The legacy of the Enlightenment continues to influence contemporary discussions around democracy, equality, and justice worldwide.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, asserting that truths can be discovered through logical thought.

Deism: A religious belief that recognizes a creator who does not intervene in the universe, reflecting Enlightenment ideas of reason and natural law.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that suggests individuals consent to form a government for mutual benefit, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of citizens.