Questions and Answers
Enlightenment thinkers rejected which concept?
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?
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In France, where did philosophers discuss Enlightenment ideas?
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In the 1700s, what was an effect of the Enlightenment?
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List the 4 major events of the Enlightenment movement in order.
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One of Montesquieu's key ideas was the creation of what?
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What are checks and balances?
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What did Enlightenment thinkers question?
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What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau think about governments?
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What did John Locke believe?
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What did Thomas Hobbes write in 1651?
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What is absolutism?
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What movement was last to occur in Europe?
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What sparked the English Civil War in the 1600s?
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What three topics became a major focus of the Enlightenment?
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What was a political effect of the Enlightenment?
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What was one difference between the ideas of Hobbes and Locke?
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When did the Enlightenment movement occur?
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Where were many of the ideas of Enlightenment later incorporated?
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Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
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Who was Montesquieu?
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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.
Social and Political Impacts
- 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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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.