The Enlightenment Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Enlightenment thinkers rejected which concept?

Capitalism

Feudalism

Absolutism (correct)

Democracy

How did John Locke characterize people?

People are naturally reasonable.

How did the English Civil War affect the Enlightenment?

The English Civil War caused many people to question the role of government.

How did Thomas Hobbes characterize people?

People are naturally selfish and violent. Signup and view all the answers

In France, where did philosophers discuss Enlightenment ideas?

Salons Signup and view all the answers

In the 1700s, what was an effect of the Enlightenment?

There was a rise in support for representative government. Signup and view all the answers

List the 4 major events of the Enlightenment movement in order.

The English Civil War comes to an end; Locke builds on the ideas of Hobbes; Montesquieu publishes 'The Spirit of Laws'; Rousseau publishes 'The Social Contract'. Signup and view all the answers

One of Montesquieu's key ideas was the creation of what?

Checks and balances. Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

They are ways to make sure no one has too much power. Signup and view all the answers

What did Enlightenment thinkers question?

They questioned ideas about government. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau think about governments?

Government creates unequal societies. Signup and view all the answers

What did John Locke believe?

He believed that people had the natural ability to govern their own affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas Hobbes write in 1651?

The Leviathan. Signup and view all the answers

What is absolutism?

A system of government in which a ruler holds total power. Signup and view all the answers

What movement was last to occur in Europe?

The Enlightenment. Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the English Civil War in the 1600s?

The English monarch clashed with Parliament leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What three topics became a major focus of the Enlightenment?

Authority, rights, and responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What was a political effect of the Enlightenment?

Some monarchs embraced new ideas from the movement. Signup and view all the answers

What was one difference between the ideas of Hobbes and Locke?

Hobbes believed life without government was difficult, while Locke believed people have the right to rebel. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Enlightenment movement occur?

1600s and 1700s. Signup and view all the answers

Where were many of the ideas of Enlightenment later incorporated?

The founding documents for the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

He was an Enlightenment thinker who wrote 'The Social Contract'. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Montesquieu?

A French political philosopher whose major work, 'The Spirit of Laws', was a major contribution to political theory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of the Enlightenment

Enlightenment thinkers rejected absolutism, advocating for reason and individual rights instead.
The English Civil War prompted widespread questioning of governmental authority, influencing Enlightenment ideologies.

Philosophers and Their Beliefs

John Locke viewed people as naturally reasonable, supporting the idea of self-government and individual welfare.
Thomas Hobbes characterized people as inherently selfish and violent, believing that a strong government was necessary to maintain order.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that governments create unequal societies and wrote on the social contract as a mutual agreement between rulers and the governed.
Montesquieu introduced the concept of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Salons in France served as gathering places for philosophers to discuss and spread Enlightenment ideas.
The Enlightenment led to increased support for representative government and influenced various political systems across Europe.
Key themes during the Enlightenment included authority, rights, and responsibilities of individuals and governments.

Historical Timeline and Events

Major events include the end of the English Civil War, Locke's expansions on Hobbes' ideas, the publication of Montesquieu's "The Spirit of Laws," and Rousseau's "The Social Contract."
Enlightenment ideas were later incorporated into foundational documents of the United States, shaping modern democracy.

Notable Works and Publications

Thomas Hobbes published "Leviathan" in 1651, outlining his views on government and human nature.
Montesquieu's significant contribution, "The Spirit of Laws," focused on the analysis of political systems and the necessity of separation of powers.

Differences Between Philosophers

A key distinction between Hobbes and Locke lies in their views of government: Hobbes believed life without government was precarious, while Locke defended the right of people to rebel against oppressive authority.

Historical Context and Development

The Enlightenment movement unfolded primarily during the 1600s and 1700s, evolving out of earlier philosophical and political ideologies.
The clash between the English monarch and parliamentary leaders ignited the English Civil War, ultimately serving as a catalyst for Enlightenment thought.

Legacy and Influence

The Enlightenment was the last major intellectual movement in Europe and left a profound legacy on government and individual rights that continues to influence contemporary society.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from the Enlightenment period with these flashcards. Explore important ideas from influential thinkers like John Locke and the impact of historical events on Enlightenment thought. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of this pivotal era.