Enlightenment thought

Definition

Enlightenment thought refers to a philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This movement laid the groundwork for modern political and social ideas, challenging established norms and advocating for rights and equality, which are central to critiques of social contract theory, especially from feminist perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment thought emerged as a response to the dogmas of religion and monarchy, promoting ideas of democracy and human rights.
2. Key figures such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau significantly influenced social contract theory with their writings on governance and individual rights.
3. Feminist critiques of social contract theory highlight how traditional interpretations often exclude women from the political discourse of rights and citizenship.
4. Enlightenment thinkers often emphasized the importance of education as a means to empower individuals and challenge societal norms.
5. The movement significantly contributed to revolutionary ideas in America and France, leading to significant political changes based on principles of equality and justice.

Review Questions

• How did enlightenment thought influence the development of social contract theory?
  • Enlightenment thought played a crucial role in shaping social contract theory by advocating for individual rights and rational governance. Philosophers like John Locke argued that governments should be based on the consent of the governed, which directly challenged the idea of divine right monarchy. This shift towards valuing individual autonomy laid the groundwork for modern democracy and influenced various social theories, including feminist critiques that question who is included in these social contracts.
• Discuss the implications of enlightenment thought on feminist critiques of social contract theory.
  • Enlightenment thought has significant implications for feminist critiques of social contract theory as it exposes how traditional frameworks often marginalize women. Feminists argue that early social contract theorists largely viewed men as the primary subjects of rights and governance, neglecting women's roles and contributions. By emphasizing reason and equality, feminists draw attention to these gaps, advocating for a re-examination of what constitutes citizenship and rights within social contracts.
• Evaluate how enlightenment thought can be reconciled with contemporary feminist perspectives on social justice.
  • Reconciling enlightenment thought with contemporary feminist perspectives involves reinterpreting core principles like reason and equality to include diverse voices. Feminists today build on the enlightenment emphasis on individual rights while critiquing its historical exclusions. They advocate for an expanded understanding of equality that incorporates gender, race, and class, arguing that true enlightenment ideals can only be realized when all individuals have equal representation and rights within societal frameworks. This ongoing dialogue reflects the adaptability of enlightenment thought in addressing modern issues of justice and equity.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a governing body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Rationalism: The belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge and that truth can be discovered through intellectual analysis rather than through tradition or religious faith.

Natural Rights: Rights that individuals are born with, such as life, liberty, and property, which are considered inalienable and fundamental to the social contract theory.