The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It marked a shift in thought that encouraged scientific inquiry, the questioning of dogma, and the belief in progress, influencing various fields including philosophy, politics, and the arts, leading to a revival of classical forms in literature and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was characterized by a strong belief in human reason and the ability to improve society through education and rational thought.
2. Key figures such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to Enlightenment ideas that challenged existing political and religious institutions.
3. The movement led to significant political changes, including the development of democracy and human rights concepts, which influenced revolutions around the world.
4. Enlightenment thinkers often looked back to classical antiquity for inspiration, leading to a revival of classical forms in art and literature, such as neoclassicism.
5. The emphasis on reason and scientific thought during the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern philosophy, science, and political theory.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the revival of classical forms in literature and art?
  • Enlightenment thinkers valued reason and sought inspiration from classical antiquity, which led to a renewed interest in classical forms. This revival can be seen in neoclassicism, where artists and writers adopted themes, styles, and structures from ancient Greece and Rome. By emphasizing clarity, order, and harmony in their works, they aimed to reflect the rational ideals of their time while challenging traditional artistic expressions.
• Analyze the impact of key Enlightenment figures on political thought during this period.
  • Key figures such as John Locke and Rousseau profoundly impacted political thought by introducing concepts like individual rights and the social contract. Locke's ideas on government by consent and natural rights challenged absolute monarchy, laying groundwork for democratic governance. Rousseau's concept of general will promoted popular sovereignty, influencing revolutionary movements. Their works inspired reformers seeking to challenge established authority and promote liberty.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment principles have shaped modern society's understanding of individual rights and governance.
  • Enlightenment principles have significantly shaped modern society by establishing a framework for understanding individual rights as inherent and inviolable. The emphasis on reason led to questioning of authoritarian rule and laid foundational concepts for constitutional governance. This evolution resulted in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, asserting that individuals possess rights that governments must respect. Such ideas continue to influence contemporary discussions about democracy, justice, and human rights globally.

Related terms

Rationalism:

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

Empiricism:

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience, a key concept in the scientific method promoted during the Enlightenment.

Social Contract: A theory or model originating during the Enlightenment that addresses the origin of society and the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individual.