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What was a fundamental belief of the Enlightenment philosophers?
What was a fundamental belief of the Enlightenment philosophers?
Which of the following best describes the term 'philosophes' during the Enlightenment?
Which of the following best describes the term 'philosophes' during the Enlightenment?
What was a key concept about human rights that emerged during the Enlightenment?
What was a key concept about human rights that emerged during the Enlightenment?
What was the general attitude of Enlightenment thinkers towards progress?
What was the general attitude of Enlightenment thinkers towards progress?
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What historical period is also known as the 'Age of Reason'?
What historical period is also known as the 'Age of Reason'?
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What did Thomas Hobbes believe about human nature?
What did Thomas Hobbes believe about human nature?
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What was John Locke's view on the role of government?
What was John Locke's view on the role of government?
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Which philosopher is known for advocating for freedom of speech and religion?
Which philosopher is known for advocating for freedom of speech and religion?
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What concept did Montesquieu introduce to prevent tyranny?
What concept did Montesquieu introduce to prevent tyranny?
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What did Rousseau argue about the nature of humans?
What did Rousseau argue about the nature of humans?
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What reforms did Beccaria advocate for in the justice system?
What reforms did Beccaria advocate for in the justice system?
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Which of the following ideas is associated with Adam Smith?
Which of the following ideas is associated with Adam Smith?
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What effect did the Enlightenment have on art and music?
What effect did the Enlightenment have on art and music?
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What is a key principle in the creation of the Bill of Rights?
What is a key principle in the creation of the Bill of Rights?
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How did Enlightenment thinkers generally view absolute monarchy?
How did Enlightenment thinkers generally view absolute monarchy?
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Which of the following was a common goal during the Enlightenment revolutions?
Which of the following was a common goal during the Enlightenment revolutions?
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What was an impact of salons during the Enlightenment?
What was an impact of salons during the Enlightenment?
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What role did Denis Diderot play in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas?
What role did Denis Diderot play in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas?
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What did the idea of 'enlightened despots' entail?
What did the idea of 'enlightened despots' entail?
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Study Notes
The Enlightenment (1650-1800)
- European philosophers rethought old ideas about government, religion, and economics
- This period led to a new era, known as the Enlightenment
Enlightenment Thinkers (Intellectuals)
- Called "philosophes"
- Believed in new truths discovered through logic and reason
- Believed in progress and that life should be improved
- Argued for natural rights (personal freedoms that protect liberty)
Causes of the Enlightenment
- Renaissance: Questioning medieval ideas and emphasizing human potential
- Protestant Reformation: Questioning church teachings and exploring new ideas
- Age of Exploration: Discovery of new lands and trade routes
- Absolute Monarchs: Lavish spending and expensive wars
Changing Idea: The Right to Govern
- Old Idea: A monarch's rule is justified by divine right
- New Idea: A government's power comes from the consent of the governed
Political Ideas of the Enlightenment
- Thomas Hobbes: Believed humans are naturally cruel and selfish, needing a strong ruler.
- Hobbes Supported: Absolute monarchs using scientific reasoning. - Hobbes believed in the social contract. People give up power and rights to a king in exchange for law and order.
- John Locke: Believed people are born with natural rights (life, liberty, and property). - Locke supported a limited or constitutional government. - Locke believed that government's power comes from the consent of the governed (approval of the people). - Kings could be overthrown if they violated the rights of the people.
- Baron de Montesquieu: Advocated for separation of powers in government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial). - Governments should limit each other’s powers
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Believed people are naturally good but power corrupts them. - People should form a social contract, guided by "the general will" of the majority
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Cesare Beccaria: Criticized abuses in the justice system.
- Argued against torture, corrupt judges, and secret trials.
- Argued for fair and speedy trials and the abolishment of capital punishment.
Impact of the Enlightenment
- Culture: Neoclassical art and music emerged as Enlightenment ideals of perfection and reason influenced these areas.
- Economics: Capitalism, laissez-faire economic model
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Impact on Society: Increased literacy rates through the creation of the Encyclopedia
- Denis Diderot created the first encyclopedia which included essays and sketches, spreading Enlightenment ideas.
- Women: Some women, like Mary Wollstonecraft, argued for more opportunities for education.
- Kings: Philosophers attacked absolute rule, and advocated for a limited monarchy that respected its citizens' rights.
- Enlightened Despots like Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia listened to and supported these ideas to try to improve the lives of their citizens.
Revolutions
- Enlightenment ideas spread and inspired revolutions.
- Colonists challenged the British monarchy leading to the American Revolution.
- Revolutions also broke out in France and Latin America.
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Description
Explore the key concepts and thinkers of the Enlightenment, a transformative period in European history from 1650 to 1800. This quiz covers the philosophical shifts in governance, religion, and economics, alongside the intellectuals known as 'philosophes' who championed logic and reason. Test your knowledge on the causes and impacts of Enlightenment ideas on modern democracy and individual rights.
