West Civ Enlightenment terms quiz- 10/21/25

reason 

The use of logic and rational thought to understand the world; central belief of the Enlightenment.

natural rights

Rights all people are born with, such as life, liberty, and property (John Locke).

social contract 

The idea that people give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of rights.

natural law 

Universal principles that govern human nature and society, discoverable through reason.

state of nature

The condition of humanity before government; used by Hobbes and Locke to justify government formation.

general will

Rousseau’s concept that government should reflect the collective interest of the people.

separation of powers 

Montesquieu’s idea that government power should be divided among branches to prevent tyranny.

checks and balances 

System that allows each branch of government to limit the power of others.

deism 

Belief that God created the universe but does not interfere with human affairs; based on reason, not revelation.

Tabula Rasa

“Blank slate”; Locke’s idea that the human mind is shaped by experience, not natural ideas.

enlightened despotism

Absolute rulers who used Enlightenment ideas to reform society (e.g., Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great).

salon

Social gatherings hosted by wealthy women to discuss Enlightenment ideas.

philosophe

French Enlightenment intellectuals who promoted reason and progress.

encyclopédie

Massive reference work compiled by Diderot to spread Enlightenment knowledge.

secularism

Movement away from religious control toward worldly (nonreligious) concerns.

skepticism

Questioning of traditional beliefs and institutions, especially religion and monarchy.