The Enlightenment: Key Concepts and Figures

These flashcards cover the key concepts, figures, and themes of the Enlightenment as outlined in the provided lecture notes.

What did Immanuel Kant define as Enlightenment in his 1784 essay?

The courage to think for oneself and to question accepted knowledge.

What are the general dates marking the Enlightenment period?

1688 to 1789, from the Glorious Revolution to the beginning of the French Revolution.

What was the central concern of the Enlightenment?

Applying rational thought to all aspects of human existence, including science, philosophy, morality, and society.

Which social class significantly contributed to the growth of Enlightenment ideas?

The bourgeoisie, or the mercantile middle class.

What was the major theme surrounding government advocated by Enlightenment thinkers?

That the best forms of government should have rational laws serving the public interest and equality before the law.

What did Enlightenment thinkers reject in terms of traditional religion?

They rejected superstitions and advocated for a natural universe governed by rational laws.

Who were the key figures in introducing Enlightenment ideas through literature?

Philosophes, including John Locke, Voltaire, David Hume, Adam Smith, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

What did John Locke mean by 'Tabula Rasa'?

The idea that individuals are born as blank slates and that education influences the development of reason.

What was Voltaire known for during the Enlightenment?

Voltaire was a prominent critic of injustice and superstition, known for his wit and moral philosophy.

What significance did the Encyclopedia of Diderot and D’Alembert hold?

It was a comprehensive catalog of human knowledge aimed at refuting traditional beliefs and promoting reason.

How did the Enlightenment thinkers generally view monarchy?

They did not outright reject monarchy but sought 'enlightened' monarchs who would govern with reason and justice.

What did Cesare Bonesana argue about the function of the state in his work On Crimes and Punishment?

The state should protect the life and dignity of its citizens and ensure equal accountability before the law.

What role did salons and coffee houses play in the Enlightenment?

They provided venues for discussing new ideas among various social classes.

What did David Hume criticize about organized religion?

He critiqued it as superstitious and invalid, particularly religions based on miracles.

What was the Radical Enlightenment?

A movement within the Enlightenment that supported more scandalous ideas, such as atheism and radical critiques of established religion.

How did Enlightenment ideas influence the view of human rights in the late 18th century?

They promoted the idea of human rights, leading to demands for political reform and inspiring movements against slavery.

What was a significant contradiction regarding gender in Enlightenment thought?

While advocating for human rights, Enlightenment thinkers largely ignored women’s rights and opposed their equality.

How did the Enlightenment disrupt the established social order?

By undermining organized religion and questioning the privileges of the nobility, promoting the idea that rational governance should be judged by competence.