5.1 The Enlightenment Flashcards
John Locke
A 17th century enlightenment philosopher who argued the social contract gave citizens the right life, liberty and the pursuit of property. If citizens were denied these things to revolt against an unjust government.
Tabula Rasa
In Latin, tabula rasa means “blank slate”. John Locke argued that every child was born with a tabula rasa waiting for knowledge.
Social Contract
The social contract is the result of polictical life, i.e. I agree to let you government in exchange for just governance.
The Philosophes
A group of thinkers and writers during the Enlightenment who explored social, polictical, and economic theories.
Baron Montesquieu
An Enlightenment philosopher who praised Britain’s checks on governmental power, influencing the creation of the U.S. governments of separation of powers. He wrote the Spirit of Laws.
Voltaire
French playright who was exiled to England until he was allowed to return to France to campaign for religious liberty and judicial reform. Corresponded with monarchs like Catherine the Great.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Expanded on the idea of the social contract who built on the concept of the Social Contract by arguing the “General Will” of people was an obligation the sovereign.
Adam Smith
An Enlightenment economist who argued for “freer trade” - and wanted economic governance to use a “laissez-faire” approach.
Laissez-faire
A French phrase for “leave it alone” - or literally, “let to do”.
Capitalism
An economic system where means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.
Deism
A belief that a divinity sets natural laws in motion, like a watchmaker creating a watch but not interfering with its ability to tell time.
Conservatism
A belief in traditional instituions, favoring reliance on experience instead of ideas.
Socialism
A system of public or direct worker ownership of the means of production.
Classical Liberalism
A belief in natural rights, constutional government, laissez-faire economics and reduced spending on armies and churches.
Feminism
Amovement for women’s rights and equality.
Abolitionism
A movement to end the Atlanticc slave trade and free enslaved people.
Zionism
A movement of Jewish people wanting to establish an independent homeland.
anti-Semitism
hostility toward Jews, including pograms - violent attacks on Jewish communities.
Theodore Herzl
A Zionist movement leader.
The Dreyfuss Affair
A scandal in France that occurred when Theodore Dreyfuss, a Jewish French military officer was convicted of treason based on forged documents.
The Wealth of Nations
A book by Adam Smith advocating for freer trade.
Utopian Socialists
Socialists who felt society should set up ideal communities.
Henri de Saint-Simon
A Utopian Socialists who believed scientists and engineers working with business people could create a efficient, beautiful places for people to life and work.
Charles Fourier
A Utopian Socialist who believed a fundamental principle of utopia was harmonious living in communities.
Robert Owen
A Utopian Socialist who established intentional communities - small societies governed by the principles of Utopian Socialism.
The Fabian Society
A group of “gradual socialists” who favored reforming society by parliamentary means.
