Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It played a critical role in shaping ideas about governance, human rights, and personal liberty, influencing cultural interactions between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment led to significant advancements in science, philosophy, and political thought, promoting ideas that challenged the status quo.
2. Philosophers like John Locke and Voltaire questioned traditional authorities and advocated for freedom of expression and religious tolerance.
3. The Enlightenment influenced European colonial policies, as ideas about governance and rights began to extend to colonized peoples, including Native Americans and Africans.
4. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized education as a means to achieve social progress and enlightenment for all individuals.
5. The movement laid the groundwork for revolutions in America and France by inspiring calls for democracy, liberty, and equality.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence European views on governance in relation to other cultures?
  • The Age of Enlightenment introduced concepts of rationalism and individual rights that led Europeans to reconsider their approach to governance, especially concerning non-European cultures. Enlightenment thinkers argued for the recognition of natural rights, which sparked discussions about the rights of Native Americans and Africans. This philosophical shift prompted some European leaders to adopt more paternalistic or protective policies towards these groups while others rationalized their colonial ambitions as a civilizing mission.
• Discuss the role of key Enlightenment philosophers in shaping attitudes toward slavery and colonialism.
  • Key philosophers like John Locke critiqued absolute monarchy and tyranny while promoting ideas of liberty and equality. However, many Enlightenment thinkers also held contradictory views on slavery and colonialism. While some advocated for the rights of individuals, others justified the enslavement of Africans as part of a social contract that positioned Europeans as civilizers. This complex relationship illustrates how Enlightenment ideals were selectively applied in justifying both liberation movements and imperial expansion.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of the Age of Enlightenment on modern societies across different cultures.
  • The Age of Enlightenment has profoundly shaped modern societies by laying the foundations for contemporary ideas about democracy, human rights, and individual freedoms. Its emphasis on reason over tradition encouraged critical thinking across cultures, influencing various movements for social justice, equality, and self-determination. In post-Enlightenment societies, people increasingly challenge authority and seek to protect their natural rights, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Enlightenment principles in both European nations and former colonies throughout Africa and the Americas.

Related terms

Rationalism: The belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that it can lead to truth and understanding.

Social Contract:

A theory in political philosophy that explores the legitimacy of authority and governance based on an implicit agreement between the governed and the governing.

Natural Rights:

The idea that individuals have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which cannot be taken away by governments.