European Enlightenment era

Definition

The European Enlightenment era was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th century and continued into the 18th century, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period fostered new ways of thinking about government, society, and human rights, leading to significant political changes and reforms across Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was characterized by a belief in progress, where humans could improve their societies through reason and education.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers such as Voltaire, John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, each contributing unique ideas about government and society.
3. The movement laid the intellectual groundwork for major political revolutions, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, promoting ideals of liberty and equality.
4. Salons became popular venues during the Enlightenment where intellectuals gathered to discuss ideas, promoting the exchange of thoughts on philosophy, politics, and science.
5. The impact of the Enlightenment extended beyond Europe, influencing revolutionary movements and democratic ideals globally, including in Latin America and parts of Asia.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers challenge traditional authority and contribute to new political ideologies?
  • Enlightenment thinkers challenged traditional authority by advocating for reason and individual rights over blind obedience to monarchies and religious institutions. They argued that government should be based on social contracts that protect citizens' natural rights, a concept advanced by philosophers like John Locke. This shift in thought encouraged people to question absolute rule and seek democratic reforms, influencing the development of modern political ideologies such as liberalism.
• Discuss the role of salons in spreading Enlightenment ideas and their impact on society.
  • Salons played a vital role in spreading Enlightenment ideas by providing informal settings where intellectuals could gather to share and debate concepts. These gatherings allowed for a diverse exchange of ideas among writers, philosophers, artists, and members of the aristocracy. The discussions held in salons not only educated participants but also helped disseminate Enlightenment principles to a broader audience, ultimately shaping public opinion and fostering a culture of intellectual discourse that challenged established norms.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Enlightenment on modern political systems around the world.
  • The long-term effects of the Enlightenment on modern political systems are profound, laying the foundation for democratic governance based on principles of liberty, equality, and justice. The emphasis on reason and empirical evidence reshaped approaches to law and governance, leading to constitutional frameworks that protect individual rights. Furthermore, Enlightenment ideals inspired numerous revolutions across the globe, instigating movements toward democracy and civil rights that continue to influence contemporary political discourse and policies in various countries today.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, often associated with Enlightenment thinkers like René Descartes.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy, particularly developed by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which posits that individuals consent to form governments in order to secure their rights and welfare.

Empiricism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience, closely linked to the scientific method and critical inquiry during the Enlightenment.