The Enlightenment
Definition
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, skepticism towards tradition, and progress in science.
Analogy
Consider The Enlightenment like updating your phone's software. Before you update it, your phone works based on old programming (like society before The Enlightenment). After you update it with new software (Enlightenment ideas), it operates differently - hopefully better!
Related terms
Rationalism: A belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.
Secularism: The principle seeking to conduct human affairs based on secular, non-religious methods or programs.
Humanism: An outlook emphasizing common human needs and focusing rational ways for solving human problems.
"The Enlightenment" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (4)
Who is known for their defense for freedom of speech and religion during The Enlightenment?
During The Enlightenment era, what did philosophers believe could be improved through human reason?
Which concept from The Enlightenment had a significant impact on societies' belief systems?
Which of the following authors was known as an important figure in the 18th century literary movement, The Enlightenment?
Resources
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