Unit 2: Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering thinkers, concepts, developments, and locations from the Unit 2 Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment study guide.

Copernacus

Astronomer listed in the study guide who contributed to the revolutionary shift toward heliocentric astronomy during the Scientific Revolution.

Galileo

Astronomer whose observations supported heliocentrism and whose conflict with the Catholic Church illustrated the conflict between new evidence and traditional authority.

Newton

Scientific thinker who proposed that the universe operates according to discoverable natural laws, encouraging the belief that reason could also explain human society.

Hobbes

Political thinker who held a specific view of human nature and argued that a strong government was necessary to maintain peace and order.

Locke

Philosopher who proposed the theory of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and argued that citizens could resist or replace a government failing to protect those rights.

Voltaire

Enlightenment philosophe who advocated strongly for freedom of speech and religious tolerance.

Montesquieu

Enlightenment philosophe who advocated for the separation of powers to divide political power and prevent abuse.

Rousseau

Enlightenment thinker who promoted popular sovereignty and the belief that political authority originates from the people.

Beccaria

Enlightenment thinker who argued for fair laws, proportionate punishment, and criminal justice reform.

Wollstonecraft

Enlightenment writer who advocated for women's education and greater overall equality.

Enlightened Despots

Absolute monarchs who adopted Enlightenment-inspired reforms while continuing to hold absolute political power.

Geocentric Theory

The traditional astronomical model placing Earth at the center of the universe, supported by ancient learning and Church teachings.

Heliocentric Theory

The scientific model placing the Sun at the center of the universe, which challenged accepted authority and traditional explanations.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to knowledge relying on observation, experimentation, reason, and evidence to test and revise explanations.

Scientific Revolution

A historical movement where new discoveries, observation, experimentation, and mathematics reshaped how knowledge was evaluated and challenged accepted authority.

Enlightenment (Age of Reason)

An intellectual movement in which thinkers used reason, evidence, and critical thinking to examine government, society, liberty, and individual rights.

Natural Rights

Locke's theory of fundamental human rights—specifically life, liberty, and property—that governments are created to protect.

Popular Sovereignty

The belief championed by Rousseau that political authority originates from and belongs to the people.

Separation of Powers

Montesquieu's political structure of dividing government power into separate branches to limit political authority and avoid abuse.

Salons

Social gatherings where Enlightenment thinkers discussed books, papers, and ideas, helping spread new philosophy across Europe.

Encyclopedia

A major published work during the Enlightenment that collected and disseminated new scientific and political ideas.

Divine Right

The traditional doctrine that political authority comes directly from God, which was directly challenged by Enlightenment political theories.

Declaration of Independence

A revolutionary document strongly influenced by Locke's ideas on natural rights and resisting governments that fail to protect them.

U.S. Constitution

A foundational governmental structure influenced by Montesquieu's concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances.

Bill of Rights

A constitutional document that reflects Enlightenment ideas regarding individual liberty and the protection of personal rights.

Map of European Countries (Unit 2)

A geographical study tool for locating key political regions: Austrian Empire, England, France, Holy Roman Empire, Russia, Spain, and United Netherlands.

Unit 2 Overview Table

A categorized overview sorting core study material into People, Events, and Concepts.