Enlightenment Flashcards
When did the Enlightenment happen?
1680s to around 1789
What was the Enlightenment?
- A cultural and intellectual movement
- in Europe
- during the 17th and 18th centuries
- emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional doctrines.
Who is known as the “Father of Classical Liberalism”?
John Locke
What is Classical Liberalism?
It emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets
Define “Tabula Rasa” in the context of the Enlightenment.
A theory by John Locke suggesting that individuals are born without built-in mental content; all knowledge comes from experience or perception.
What did Voltaire advocate for in his writings?
- Freedom of speech,
- religious tolerance,
- and separation of church and state.
What is Immanuel Kant’s famous quote summarizing the spirit of the Enlightenment?
“Dare to know! Have the courage to use your own understanding.”
What was the impact of the Enlightenment on religion?
It led to the decline of the power and influence of the church, promoting secularism and religious tolerance.
How did the Enlightenment influence the American Revolution?
Enlightenment ideas about liberty, democracy, and individual rights heavily influenced the Founding Fathers and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Who wrote “The Social Contract” and what was its main idea?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau; it presented the concept that the state exists to serve the will of the people, who are the sovereign.
What was Denis Diderot known for in the Enlightenment era?
Editing the “Encyclopédie”, a comprehensive work aiming to summarize all human knowledge, promoting Enlightenment ideas.
Describe Montesquieu’s contribution to political thought.
His theory of separation of powers in government, which influenced many modern constitutions including that of the United States.
What are Montesquieu’s three branches of government?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
What role did salons play in the Enlightenment?
They were social gatherings where intellectuals discussed Enlightenment ideas, aiding their spread among European elites.
What was the Enlightenment’s view on science?
It emphasized empirical evidence and scientific methods, leading to significant advancements in various scientific fields.
How did the Enlightenment affect art and literature?
It led to the rise of neoclassicism in art and literature, focusing on reason and clarity, often with themes of social reform.
Who was the leading figure in Neoclassical art?
Jacques-Louis David
What impact did the Enlightenment have on education?
It promoted education as a tool for individual empowerment and societal improvement, leading to educational reforms.
Who was Adam Smith and what was his major work?
A Scottish economist known for “The Wealth of Nations”, which laid the foundations for classical economics.
How did the Enlightenment influence the French Revolution?
Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired revolutionary leaders and the overthrow of the monarchy.
Name a female philosopher of the Enlightenment and her contribution.
Mary Wollstonecraft, advocate for women’s rights and author of “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”.
What was the role of “reason” in the Enlightenment?
It was seen as the primary source of authority and legitimacy, questioning traditional institutions and beliefs.
How did David Hume contribute to the Enlightenment?
He was a Scottish philosopher known for his empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism.
What was the legacy of the Enlightenment in modern society?
It laid the groundwork for modern political, educational, and scientific thought, influencing contemporary liberal democracies.
