Enlightenment Flashcards
What was ‘ the enlightenment’?
An intellectual movement that developed in Europe during the 18th century. It criticized the system of the ancient regime and demanded changes in the way the countries were ruled.
What authors from the ancient regime inspired these ‘enlightenment thinkers’?
Locke, Descartes and Newton
Why did the ‘enlightenment’ oppose feudal society?
They believed the system was only based on tradition and not on reason. They also believed capacity should determine inequalities and not birth.
What were the main principles of the Enlightenment?
Rationalism, Nature, Pursuit of happiness, Science and Progress, Equality and Liberty, Learning and teaching.
Explain Rationalism
Reason is the path to knowledge. It also states established ideas can be questioned. Beliefs and religion are not rational.
Explain Nature
Nature is the source of knowledge and that by observing natural facts we can obtain knowledge.
Explain Pursuit of Happiness
Pursuing happiness is the main goal of life and we can achieve this through education
Explain Science and Progress
Science would lead us to a path of constant progress and perfection. It also states that scientific method is the only form of rational knowledge.
Explain Equality and Liberty
All people should enjoy the same legal rights and freedoms
Explain Learning and Teaching
Learning and teaching are essential and people must learn as much as possible and teach others in order to educate and ‘enlighten’ society.
How were Enlightenment ideas spread?
Newspapers, periodicals and books; through schools and special academies; through philosophical meetings in homes to discuss ideas
What is the Encyclopaedia?
Multi-volume work that contained all the knowledge of their time (science, philosophy, art, grammar…), published by Diderot and d’Alamert in 1751.
Who were the most important Despots?
Frederick II of Prussia; Joseph II of Austria; Catherine II of Russia; Carlos III of Spain
What Societal reforms did the despots make?
Favouring of the arts, science and education; Some religious tolerance, freedoms of speech and press
What Political reforms did the despots make?
Centralised administration, creation of professional army, limitation of nobility and clergy power
What were the objectives of the absolute monarchs?
Combining absolute monarchy with Enlightenment ideas to modernise country and improving quality of life
Were these reforms successful?
No. Maintained privileges from the feudal system, and reforms did not guarantee equality and freedom to all.
What is political liberalism?
Political liberalism is the group of ideas that supported Liberal revolutions, based on English Parliamentarism (division of power and national sovereignty).
Who was Montesquieu?
Separation of powers (legislative, judicial, and executive), and believed England was the best model to follow. Wrote The Spirit of Laws.
Who was Voltaire?
Enlightenment thinker who attacked the government and the absolute power of the king and the influence of the Catholic Church in France.
He believed the Parliament was the best way to limit the power of the king.
Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
He wrote the Social Contract in which he claimed the governor should respect the people’s natural rights, as well as that the citizens should be able to choose their representatives through voting.
