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🪶american literature – before 1860 review

Human Perfectibility

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Human perfectibility refers to the idea that human beings are capable of continuous improvement and can ultimately achieve a state of moral, intellectual, and social perfection. This concept is deeply connected to Enlightenment ideals that emphasize reason, progress, and the inherent potential of individuals to better themselves and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Benjamin Franklin exemplified human perfectibility through his own life, striving for moral and intellectual improvement by creating his '13 Virtues' as a personal guide for self-improvement.
  2. The belief in human perfectibility was a driving force behind various social reforms during the Enlightenment, including education, abolition, and public health initiatives.
  3. Franklin believed that through education and self-discipline, individuals could contribute to a better society, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of progress and reason.
  4. The concept also influenced American democracy, as it suggested that people could improve their governance through informed participation and civic engagement.
  5. Human perfectibility was often contrasted with notions of original sin and inherent human flaws, which were prevalent in earlier religious doctrines.

Review Questions

  • How did Benjamin Franklin embody the concept of human perfectibility in his personal philosophy and practices?
    • Benjamin Franklin embodied human perfectibility by actively pursuing self-improvement throughout his life. He created a list of '13 Virtues' to guide his behavior and reflected on his progress regularly. His commitment to education, civic duty, and ethical living showcased his belief that individuals could elevate themselves morally and intellectually, which aligns with Enlightenment ideals of progress.
  • Discuss how the idea of human perfectibility influenced social reforms during the Enlightenment period.
    • The idea of human perfectibility significantly influenced social reforms during the Enlightenment by promoting the notion that individuals could improve society through education, morality, and rational thought. This belief inspired movements for abolition, public health reforms, and increased access to education. Enlightenment thinkers viewed societal progress as achievable through the collective efforts of informed and virtuous citizens striving for improvement.
  • Evaluate the impact of human perfectibility on the development of American democratic ideals and practices.
    • Human perfectibility had a profound impact on the development of American democratic ideals by reinforcing the belief that citizens possess the capacity for rational thought and moral improvement. This perspective encouraged active participation in governance, as individuals were seen as capable of contributing positively to society. The emphasis on self-governance and civic responsibility reflected Enlightenment principles, leading to a more engaged citizenry committed to pursuing justice, equality, and progress within their communities.