The Enlightenment Overview
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Questions and Answers

What term describes the belief that individuals are shaped by sensory experiences according to John Locke?

  • Natural selection
  • Rationalism
  • Cogito ergo sum
  • Tabula rasa (correct)

Which philosopher argued that reason should be the sole pursuit of scholars?

  • John Locke
  • Rene Descartes
  • Isaac Newton
  • Immanuel Kant (correct)

How did Enlightenment thinkers view the physical world, according to Isaac Newton?

  • As a giant world machine (correct)
  • As a chaotic phenomenon
  • As comprised of elements of magic
  • As governed by divine intervention

Which of the following best describes the role of philosophes during the Enlightenment?

<p>They engaged in various fields including economics and social reform. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main aspirations of Enlightenment intellectuals regarding society?

<p>To use scientific method to improve societal conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept was NOT emphasized by Enlightenment thinkers?

<p>Divine providence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is synonymous with 'philosopher' used in the context of the Enlightenment?

<p>Philosophe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social classes predominantly made up the Enlightenment intellectuals?

<p>Nobility and middle class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major influence did John Locke have on Enlightenment thought?

<p>He argued all individuals start with a blank slate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Enlightenment thinker believed that uncovering natural laws could lead to an ideal society?

<p>Isaac Newton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Montesquieu's work 'The Spirit of the Laws'?

<p>To identify natural laws that govern social and political relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'laissez-faire' refer to in the context of economic philosophy?

<p>An economic doctrine advocating for minimal government intervention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is attributed with the idea that government should protect individuals' rights to 'life, liberty, and property'?

<p>John Locke (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Voltaire influence thoughts within the Enlightenment?

<p>By challenging the Church and promoting deism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall goal of Diderot's Encyclopedia?

<p>To change the general way of thinking through knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rousseau's concept of the social contract emphasizes what aspect of governance?

<p>An agreement among individuals to follow the general will. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What essential idea is reflected in the rule of law according to Enlightenment thinkers?

<p>All people, including those in power, are equal under the law. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Enlightenment movement?

<p>Support for absolute rule without checks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Physiocrats view economic self-interest?

<p>As a necessary aspect of societal well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient form of government did Enlightenment thinkers particularly admire?

<p>The democracy practiced in ancient Athens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary concern of monarchs during the period described?

<p>To maintain a balance of power among states (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did increased literacy play in society during the Enlightenment?

<p>It fostered the spread of new ideas about liberty and rights (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic saw a significant increase in access to literature during the Enlightenment?

<p>Middle class and urban artisans (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the philosophes view war?

<p>As a waste of life and resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of themes began to emerge in novel writing during this period?

<p>Realistic social themes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did large armies formed by monarchs serve as a dual purpose for during this time?

<p>To conquer new lands and defend their states (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one appealing aspect of Enlightenment literature for its readers?

<p>The exploration of social issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group was particularly impacted by the growth of reading and new literature?

<p>Women and urban artisans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Enlightenment philosophers' ideas contributed to discussions about which societal aspect?

<p>The rights and roles of women in society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason Enlightenment thinkers supported the idea of a social contract?

<p>To promote the need for legitimate government protecting natural rights (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the abolition of torture in Prussia?

<p>Frederick II (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the major flaw in Joseph II's reform program in Austria?

<p>It failed to gain support from the nobility and church (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Catherine II's policies in Russia?

<p>A rise in serfdom and worse conditions for peasants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What idea did Enlightenment thinkers reject that earlier political thinkers accepted?

<p>Governments must be accountable to the people (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Frederick William I known for in Prussia during the eighteenth century?

<p>Doubling the size of the Prussian army (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these rights was NOT typically included in the Enlightenment understanding of natural rights?

<p>Right to education for all (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Cesare Beccaria's work?

<p>Criminal justice reform (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Enlightenment influence revolutions in America and France?

<p>It inspired the pursuit of increased rights and representation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Enlightenment thinkers believed governments were legitimate?

<p>They protected the natural rights of individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ruler is noted for attempting to implement Enlightenment principles but ultimately maintaining serfdom and social structure?

<p>Frederick II of Prussia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Joseph II's reforms in Austria?

<p>His reforms angered both nobles and the serfs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best characterizes Catherine II's rule in Russia?

<p>She focused on territorial expansion at the expense of domestic reforms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Enlightenment thinkers argue regarding the role of the people in a state's government?

<p>Ordinary people form the foundation of government. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common outcome did Enlightenment ideas have on political movements in America and France?

<p>They inspired people to seek increased rights and representation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle was notably absent from the immediate goals of Enlightenment thinkers concerning certain social classes?

<p>Rights for women (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Frederick II of Prussia introduce as an enlightened reform during his rule?

<p>Greater freedom of speech and press (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Joseph II's reforms in Austria was most controversial?

<p>Ending serfdom and freeing the peasants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate fate of Catherine II's attempt at legal reforms?

<p>They were abandoned due to the need to maintain noble support. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the growth of publishing in the Enlightenment period?

<p>It expanded the reading public to include women and urban artisans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the philosophes generally perceive the concept of war?

<p>As a futile endeavor that wasted lives and resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did monarchs play in maintaining the balance of power during the Enlightenment?

<p>They formed armies to defend their states and conquer new lands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the increase in literacy during the Enlightenment?

<p>A decrease in the variety of published works. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Enlightenment thinkers associate with the belief that individuals could be molded into better members of society?

<p>Tabula rasa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best encapsulates Isaac Newton's view of the universe?

<p>A giant 'world machine' operating under natural laws (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a prominent theme that novelists began to explore during the late Enlightenment?

<p>Realistic social themes reflecting contemporary issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern motivated monarchs to maintain large armies during this era?

<p>To prevent one state from dominating others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant social aspiration of Enlightenment intellectuals?

<p>To establish a more rational and improved society (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group benefitted significantly from the increased availability of reading materials?

<p>The emerging middle class, including women. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes the typical background of Enlightenment philosophes?

<p>Nobility and middle class (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the general attitude of the philosophes towards the state of society?

<p>They sought to reform societal norms and roles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key element of Enlightenment thought regarding societal institutions?

<p>They should follow natural laws to achieve ideal outcomes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which significant philosophical influence did the Enlightenment draw from John Locke's ideas?

<p>The concept of environmental and sensory experiences shaping human understanding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Enlightenment have on perceptions of women's roles in society?

<p>It encouraged discussions about women's rights and liberty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the nature of books that gained popularity among the new reading public during the Enlightenment?

<p>Realistic narratives addressing social issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the concept of 'hope' play in the Enlightenment?

<p>It encouraged the belief in progress and improvement in society (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method did Enlightenment thinkers advocate for understanding life and society?

<p>Application of the scientific method and reason (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant concept highlighted by Enlightenment philosophers?

<p>Conformity to tradition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Enlightenment thinkers' perspective on the supernatural?

<p>It was to be dismissed in favor of rational thought (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Montesquieu argue was essential for preventing any person or group from gaining excessive power in government?

<p>Separation of powers with checks and balances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Voltaire most strongly advocate for during the Enlightenment?

<p>Religious toleration and deism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary intention behind Diderot's work on the Encyclopedia?

<p>To alter public perception and promote rational thinking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Rousseau view the relationship between government and individual freedom?

<p>Government is a necessary evil that enslaves individuals to protect property (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Adam Smith, what should primarily guide the pricing of goods and services?

<p>The interactions between people and businesses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political structure did Enlightenment thinkers find particularly appealing as a model for governance?

<p>Democracy of ancient Athens and the republic of Rome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Physiocrats attribute to individual economic self-interest?

<p>It serves to benefit society as a whole (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Enlightenment thinkers identify as a fundamental principle that should govern society?

<p>Natural rights and the rule of law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Rousseau's position on the 'general will' in a social contract?

<p>It represents the collective interests of society that individuals must abide by (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Enlightenment thinkers view the concept of the divine right of kings?

<p>As an outdated idea that must be challenged (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Enlightenment

An 18th-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason and the scientific method to improve society.

Age of Reason

Another name for the Enlightenment, highlighting the movement's focus on reason.

Reason (in Enlightenment)

Applying the scientific method to understand all aspects of life.

Natural Law

Rules governing the universe and society, discoverable through observation and reason.

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Tabula Rasa

The idea that humans are born with a blank mind and experiences shape them.

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Philosophe

A French word for an Enlightenment intellectual or thinker(often a social reformer).

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Scientific Revolution

The time before the Enlightenment that inspired the Enlightenment.

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John Locke

An important English philosopher who influenced Enlightenment thought with his ideas on the blank mind.

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Isaac Newton

A key figure in the Scientific Revolution who thought the physical world operated under natural laws.

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Progress

The belief that society can improve through reason and reform.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing government power among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent tyranny.

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Enlightenment Philosophes

French intellectuals who used reason and criticism to shape the world.

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Montesquieu

French philosopher who studied governments and advocated for the separation of powers.

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Voltaire

Key Enlightenment thinker known for promoting religious tolerance and deism.

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Diderot

Editor of the Encyclopedia aiming to change general thought, promoting reform.

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Deism

Religious belief that God created the universe but does not interfere.

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Laissez-faire

Economic policy that promotes minimal government intervention in the market.

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Social Contract

Agreement where a society agrees to be governed by a general will.

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Natural Rights

Inherent rights believed to belong to all people.

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Rule of Law

Principle that all people, including rulers, are subject to law.

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Balance of Power

The concept of maintaining equal strength among nations to prevent one from becoming dominant.

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Philosophes on War

Enlightenment thinkers condemned war as a waste of human life and resources.

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Monarchs & Armies

European rulers used large military forces to protect their kingdoms and expand their territories.

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New Ideas & Literacy

Increased literacy spread Enlightenment ideas about freedom, women's rights, and religion.

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The Growth of Reading

Publishing boomed, making books accessible to a wider audience beyond the elite.

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Reading Public

The middle class, including women and artisans, became active readers of the era.

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Realistic Social Themes

Novelists started to use realistic situations in their stories, reflecting the changing world.

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Impact of Novelists

Writers used their works to explore social issues and challenges of the time.

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Enlightenment Ideas Spread

Ideas of individual liberty, equality, and reason spread throughout Europe influencing society.

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Why Were Novels Popular?

Realistic social themes in novels appealed to the new reading public of the middle class.

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Enlightened Absolutism

A political system where monarchs ruled with absolute power, but tried to govern according to Enlightenment principles like reason and progress.

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What did Enlightenment thinkers believe about government?

Enlightenment thinkers argued that governments should exist to protect the people's natural rights, including the right to life and liberty. They also believed in the social contract, where individuals give up some rights in exchange for government protection.

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How did Enlightenment ideas influence revolutions?

Enlightenment ideas inspired revolutions in America and France. They encouraged people to speak freely, demand increased rights, and fight against oppressive rulers.

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What were the main natural rights according to the Enlightenment?

Enlightenment thinkers believed in natural rights like equality before the law, freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, property, and the pursuit of happiness.

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What did philosophes think about enlightened rulers?

Most philosophes believed enlightened rulers were necessary to establish and preserve natural rights. They thought these rulers should nurture the arts, sciences, and education and enforce laws fairly.

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Frederick the Great of Prussia

Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, was a Prussian King who embraced some Enlightenment ideas. He granted some religious toleration and freedoms of speech and press but kept serfdom and a rigid social structure.

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Joseph II of Austria

Joseph II, an Austrian emperor, attempted to enact sweeping Enlightenment reforms. He abolished serfdom, the death penalty, and established equality before the law, but his reforms were often met with opposition and were later reversed.

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Catherine the Great of Russia

Catherine II, Russian empress, considered reforms that recognized equality before the law but ultimately did not implement them due to the support of the nobility. Her policy of favoring the nobility worsened conditions for peasants, leading to rebellion.

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Enlightenment Reason

The idea of applying the scientific method to understand all of life, seeking knowledge through logic and evidence.

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World Machine

Isaac Newton's idea that the physical world operates like a complex machine, governed by discoverable natural laws.

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Impact of Locke and Newton

John Locke's idea of a blank slate and Isaac Newton's concept of natural laws profoundly influenced Enlightenment thinkers, leading them to believe in the power of reason and progress.

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Ideal Society

Enlightenment thinkers believed that by discovering and following the natural laws that governed human society, they could create a better, more just world.

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Enlightenment's Influence

Enlightenment ideas inspired reforms and revolutions, challenging existing power structures and advocating for individual rights and freedom.

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Enlightenment Goals

Enlightenment thinkers aimed to use reason and progress to improve society, leading to reforms in education, government, and social structures.

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Why was the Enlightenment important?

The Enlightenment was important because it ushered in an era of new ideas, emphasizing critical thinking, reason, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

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Checks and Balances

A system where different branches of government limit each other's power to prevent tyranny.

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Invisible Hand

The idea that the free market, through individual interactions, naturally guides the economy to prosperity.

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What is the rule of law?

The principle that all individuals, including rulers, are equal under the law and must adhere to its rules

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What are natural rights?

Inherent rights believed to belong to all individuals, such as the right to life, liberty, and property.

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What is a representative government?

A form of government where citizens elect leaders to represent their interests.

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What is the general will?

The collective will or interest of a society, as expressed through a social contract.

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Frederick the Great

King of Prussia who embraced some Enlightenment ideas by granting some religious toleration and freedoms of speech and press but kept serfdom and a rigid social structure.

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Joseph II

Austrian emperor who attempted to enact sweeping Enlightenment reforms by abolishing serfdom, the death penalty, and establishing equality before the law, but his reforms were often met with opposition and were later reversed.

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Catherine the Great

Russian empress who considered reforms recognizing equality before the law but ultimately did not implement them due to the support of the nobility. Her policy of favoring the nobility worsened conditions for peasants, leading to rebellion.

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Why did Enlightened Absolutists fail to fully implement reforms?

Enlightened absolutists, like Frederick II, Joseph II, and Catherine II, were ultimately guided by their interest in maintaining power, and they often chose to prioritize strengthening their positions as rulers over enacting meaningful reforms.

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What was the impact of Enlightenment ideas on revolutions?

Enlightenment ideas inspired revolutions in America and France by encouraging people to speak freely, demand increased rights, and fight against oppressive rulers.

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How did rulers of Prussia, Austria, and Russia respond to Enlightenment ideas?

Prussia under Frederick the Great adopted some Enlightenment ideas but retained serfdom and a rigid social structure. Austria under Joseph II attempted radical reforms but faced opposition and setbacks. Russia under Catherine the Great considered reforms but ultimately favored the nobility, leading to peasant uprisings.

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What were some key Enlightenment ideas about government?

Enlightenment thinkers believed that governments should exist to protect the natural rights of citizens, including life, liberty, and property. They emphasized the importance of the social contract, where individuals give up some rights in exchange for government protection.

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Growth of Reading

The increase in publishing made books available to a wider audience beyond the elite.

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Spread of Enlightenment Ideas

Enlightenment concepts of individual liberty, equality, and reason spread throughout Europe.

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Study Notes

The Enlightenment: A Summary

  • Eighteenth-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason and scientific method to understand life
  • Intellectuals, or philosophes, sought to improve society through reason & critiquing
  • Inspired by scientific revolution and thinkers like John Locke & Isaac Newton
  • Locke's "tabula rasa"- idea of a blank mind shaped by experience
  • Newton's "world machine"- universe operates by discoverable natural laws
  • Philosophes aimed to find natural laws governing human society, leading to ideal society
  • Influenced by English thinkers; French philosophes spread these ideals across Western world

Key Enlightenment Thinkers and Philosophies

  • John Locke: Believed humans born with a "blank mind" shaped by experience; emphasized "life, liberty, and property" rights
  • Isaac Newton: Championed the "world machine" theory; believed the universe follows natural laws
  • Immanuel Kant: Argued reason should be scholars' ultimate goal

Enlightenment Philosophers (France)

  • Montesquieu: Advocated the separation of powers in government (executive, legislative, judicial) with checks and balances as seen in the English government
  • Voltaire: Championed religious tolerance and deism (reason & natural law); believed God created universe and let it run according to natural laws
  • Diderot: Edited the 23-volume Encyclopedia aiming to change thought, critiquing religious superstition & promoting reforms
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Developed the concept of the social contract- society governed by its general will
  • Physiocrats: Believed in laissez-faire economics (allowing individuals to pursue self-interests), leading to improved society
  • Adam Smith: Articulated laissez-faire economics; the "invisible hand" of the market steams economy, and the government should have limited role (protecting against invasion, defending individuals & property, and providing public works)

Enlightenment and Political Ideas

  • Natural Rights: Equality before the law, freedom of worship, speech, press, assembly, and property
  • Social Contract Theory: Government formed to protect natural rights of citizens, not rulers
  • Separation of Powers: Government divided with separate branches, allowing balances and checks on power
  • Rule of Law: Everyone is equal under the law, both citizens and rulers; essential to prevent tyranny
  • Representative Government: Government reflecting the will of citizens (inspired by democratic Athens and republican Rome)

Enlightenment Absolutism

  • Some monarchs tried to govern according to Enlightenment principles, while maintaining royal powers

  • Examples: Prussian Frederick II, Austrian Maria Theresa & son Joseph II, and Catherine II of Russia.

  • Impact of enlightened absolutists on their specific countries; efforts to reform

  • Consequences of enlightened absolutism; some positive reforms, maintenance of royal power

  • Importance of these rulers in maintaining balance of power in Europe; the importance of war and army size in eighteenth-century politics

Influence and Consequences

  • Enlightenment ideas spread via publications, fostering a wider reading public (increased literacy)
  • Enlightenment ideas led to revolution in America and France
  • The Enlightenment's ideas continue to influence modern political thought and action, inspiring movements for individual rights, freedoms and rights for women, and opposition to injustice.

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Explore the key concepts and thinkers of the Enlightenment, an influential eighteenth-century philosophical movement. This quiz covers notable figures such as John Locke and Isaac Newton, highlighting their contributions to the understanding of human rights and the scientific method. Test your knowledge of how these ideas shaped modern society.

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