Enlightenment/French Revolution #1 Flashcards
Philosophe
Enlightenment intellectuals
Rationalism
Rationalism was critical to Enlightenment thinker’s debates. It was the belief that we arrive at knowledge through logic.
Natural Law
Enlightenment thinkers believed that since Newton could discover the natural laws that ran his physical world, they could use his scientific method to discover all the natural laws that governed society. If all places then followed these laws, an ideal society would be created.
Voltaire
Considered to be the greatest figure of the Enlightenment. He was known for his complete belief in religious toleration, and his hatred of Christianity. He fought against France’s religious system and published his book, Treatise on Toleration, in 1763. He was a strong believer in deism.
Deism
The belief that God created the universe like a mechanic created a clock, and then wound it and left it alone for everything to unravel by itself.
Treatise on Toleration
A novel written by Voltaire. In this, he reminds all governments that “all men are brothers under God”
Candide
A book by Voltaire that is still widely enjoyed to this day. In it, the protagonist endures so much but still comes out the other side saying “everything’s for the best.” A Broadway musical was based off of this book in the 20th century.
Diderot
The author of the Encyclopedia. Diderot published it in either 1771 or 1772, and it was a collection of articles on Enlightenment ideas, which he wanted to “change the general way of thinking.”
Encyclopedia
Written by Diderot and intended to “change the general way of thinking”, the Encyclopedia was often used to combat the French government, as many of its articles talked about the necessity of religious toleration. Other articles called for reforms. It was sold to doctors, clergymen, teachers, and lawyers, and it spread Enlightenment ideas everywhere.
Salon
Another way for Enlightenment ideas to spread. Salons were gatherings in wealthy houses, and if you were invited to one, it meant you were great at what you do. Through these salons, artists and government officials met, writers and aristocrats talked. The women who hosted these salons were usually able to sway public opinion, but were still restricted because of their gender.
John Locke
Influenced the intellectuals during the Enlightenment greatly. Locke’s idea that every person is born with a blank mind, which he explains in his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, helped lead Enlightenment thinkers to the idea that with the right environments and influences, people could change into a better society.
Tabula Rasa
Enlightenment thinkers argued that the mind is a tabula rasa, which means a blank slate.
Montesquieu
A French noble who is known for his novel, The Spirit of the Laws, which he published in 1748. In it, he studied governments, and then used the scientific method to attempt to find the natural laws that control society. His most lasting contribution was the idea of separation of powers through checks and balances (used in the United States constitution). Montesquieu decided that a republic was best suited for smaller states, despotism was best for larger states and monarchy was best for medium-sized countries (England).
The Spirit of Laws
Published in 1748 and written by Montesquieu, this novel was a study of governments. The verdict Montesquieu arrived at was that monarchy = medium sized countries, despotism = larger countries and republics = smaller countries.
Separation of Powers
Montesquieu’s most lasting contribution was the idea of a separation of powers through checks and balances. This idea eventually appeared in the constitution of the United States.
