The Enlightenment & Enlightened Despotism

A series of flashcards covering key concepts, figures, and ideas from the Enlightenment and the role of Enlightened Despotism.

What does Deism believe about the relationship between science and religion?

Deism believes that both science and religion can coexist, relying on human reason to create natural laws.

What was Pascal's Wager?

Pascal's Wager argues that believing in God is a safer bet than not believing; if you believe and God exists, you gain heaven, but if you don't believe and God exists, you risk hell.

What type of government did Hobbes advocate for?

Hobbes advocated for absolutism, viewing life without government as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

What did Montesquieu argue regarding governments?

Montesquieu argued for a constitutional monarchy with checks and balances, citing the English system as an example of separation of powers.

What was Rousseau's view on human nature and government?

Rousseau believed that people are born good and should have a democracy where government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

How did Voltaire view organized religion?

Voltaire opposed organized religion and the Catholic Church, advocating for rational thinking and religious toleration.

What significant reforms did Frederick the Great of Prussia implement?

Frederick the Great promoted merit-based advancement, religious toleration, abolished torture, and favored education.

What reforms did Joseph II of Austria attempt?

Joseph II attempted economic and agrarian reforms, offered some religious toleration, and abolished serfdom, though many reforms were repealed after his death.

What characterized Enlightened Absolutism?

Enlightened Absolutism involved absolute monarchs implementing reforms inspired by the Enlightenment, focusing on legal, social, and educational reforms without undermining their sovereignty.

What did Mary Wollstonecraft advocate for women's rights?

Mary Wollstonecraft argued that women should have access to the same educational opportunities as men to achieve equality.