Chapter 2 Roots of the Enlightenment Flashcards
What was the Renaissance all about?
It placed new emphasis on the individual.
During the Scientific Revolution, what did scientists use to gain knowledge of the physical world?
reason, observation and experiments
What were the two famous astronomers during this
time?
Nicholas Corpernicus and Galileo
What did the two astronomers say about the sun?
The sun was at the center of the solar system and earth revolved around the sun.
What were Isaac Newton’s discoveries?
Gravity: explaining why objects fell to earth when dropped.
Physical world: followed natural laws, all motion in the universe could be measured and described mathematically.
What were the 3 “natural rights” that John Locke stated?
Life, Liberty and Property
How did natural rights challenge the theory of divine right?
Rights did not come to the people from the monarch but directly from God.
Locke concluded that if a monarch violates these rights, people are entitled to……
overthrow the monarch - fire the king!
What did Baron de Montesquieu favor?
He favored the separation of power of government.
He suggested that government be divided into 3 branches…..what were they?
legislative (make laws)
executive (enforce laws)
judicial (make judgement based on law)
Did most educated people accept Locke’s ideas?
yes
Who is the best example of Enlightenment Spirit?
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin supported Enlightenment ideas on…..
human liberty- was against slavery
