Enlightenment

Definition

The 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. This movement laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and human rights, promoting ideas that would challenge existing social, political, and religious norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment questioned the legitimacy of absolute monarchy and traditional hierarchies, leading to revolutionary ideas about democracy and governance.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers like Voltaire, who championed freedom of speech, and Montesquieu, who proposed the separation of powers in government.
3. The Enlightenment heavily influenced the American and French Revolutions, as Enlightenment principles inspired calls for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
4. Salons became popular during the Enlightenment as gathering places where intellectuals discussed ideas, helping to spread Enlightenment thought throughout Europe.
5. The movement also gave rise to the concept of the 'social contract,' theorizing that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment promote ideas of individualism and challenge traditional authority?
  • The Enlightenment promoted individualism by emphasizing reason and personal autonomy over established norms. Thinkers like Rousseau argued that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests, leading to a questioning of absolute authority in governance and religion. This shift towards valuing personal experience and rational thought encouraged people to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for their rights.
• In what ways did key Enlightenment philosophers contribute to the development of social contract theory?
  • Key Enlightenment philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau significantly shaped social contract theory by proposing different views on human nature and government. Hobbes viewed life in a state of nature as 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' advocating for a powerful sovereign to ensure peace. In contrast, Locke argued for natural rights to life, liberty, and property, suggesting that governments must protect these rights or risk losing legitimacy. Rousseau furthered this by proposing that legitimate political authority arises from a collective agreement among free individuals.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Enlightenment ideas on modern democratic systems and human rights.
  • The Enlightenment's impact on modern democratic systems is profound as it laid the foundation for principles such as equality before the law, civil liberties, and participatory governance. The emphasis on reason and individual rights led to the development of human rights frameworks that prioritize personal freedoms across various societies. Additionally, Enlightenment thinkers influenced foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which reflect enduring values that continue to shape contemporary discussions about justice and democracy worldwide.

Related terms

Rationalism:

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

Empiricism:

The theory that knowledge comes from sensory experience, significantly advocated by philosophers like John Locke and David Hume.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, which were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers advocating for equality and justice.