Equality

Definition

Equality is the principle that all individuals have the same intrinsic value and deserve the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their background or status. This concept was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, who emphasized natural rights and the inherent dignity of all people, challenging traditional hierarchies and advocating for a society based on fairness and justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment promoted the idea that all men are created equal, which was a radical departure from the established social hierarchies of the time.
2. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke argued that equality was essential for the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
3. The Declaration of Independence famously states that 'all men are created equal,' reflecting Enlightenment ideals and setting the stage for future discussions about civil rights.
4. Equality was not just a philosophical concept; it became a rallying cry for various movements in America, including abolitionism and women's suffrage.
5. While equality was emphasized, many Enlightenment philosophers did not fully extend this principle to women, enslaved individuals, or non-Europeans, highlighting limitations in the application of equality.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers shape the concept of equality during this period?
  • Enlightenment thinkers significantly shaped the concept of equality by challenging traditional hierarchies and promoting ideas of natural rights and individual dignity. They argued that all individuals possess inherent worth and should have equal access to rights and opportunities. Philosophers like John Locke emphasized that a just government must protect these rights for all citizens, laying the groundwork for future democratic ideals and movements that sought greater equality in society.
• Analyze the implications of the statement 'all men are created equal' found in the Declaration of Independence in relation to Enlightenment principles.
  • 'All men are created equal' is a powerful expression of Enlightenment principles that asserts the equal moral worth of all individuals. This statement directly reflects the natural rights philosophy that underpinned many Enlightenment ideas. However, its implications were complex; while it inspired movements toward equality, it also highlighted inconsistencies as many groups—such as women and enslaved people—were excluded from this ideal. The challenge of realizing true equality remained an ongoing struggle in American society.
• Evaluate how the limitations in the application of equality by Enlightenment thinkers influenced subsequent social movements in America.
  • The limitations in applying equality by Enlightenment thinkers laid bare significant contradictions that would fuel various social movements in America. For instance, while advocating for civil liberties and political equality for white men, many thinkers failed to address issues surrounding gender and race. This inconsistency prompted later activists to fight against these inequalities through abolitionism and women's rights movements. The debates over who qualifies as 'equal' would continue to shape American social justice efforts, making the journey toward true equality a central theme in U.S. history.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that every individual possesses inherently, such as life, liberty, and property, which Enlightenment philosophers believed should be protected by governments.

Social Contract: The theory that individuals consent to form a government to protect their natural rights, leading to a collective agreement on how society should be governed.

Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views, often seen as a complementary concept to equality.