The Enlightenment and Age of Absolutism

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key Enlightenment philosophers, political and economic theories, and enlightened absolutist rulers.

State of Nature

The theoretical condition or time before humans created societies with a government.

Natural Rights

Rights that belong to all humans from birth and cannot be taken away, specifically life, liberty, and property.

Censorship

The restriction or prohibition on access to ideas and information.

Salon

An informal social gathering at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas.

Social Contract

An agreement between the government and the people where the government derives its consent and authority from the governed.

Laissez-Faire

An economic doctrine holding that the government should not interfere or get involved in the economy.

Free Market Economy

An economic system in which property and businesses are privately owned, all individuals can participate, and there is no government involvement.

Adam Smith

Scottish philosopher known as the 'Father of Economics' who advocated for laissez-faire capitalism and a free market economy.

Denis Diderot

French philosophe who compiled and wrote the Encyclopedia to spread Enlightenment ideas.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Political thinker who explored whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared, sharing views similar to Thomas Hobbes on the necessity of a strong, singular ruler.

John Locke

Enlightenment philosopher who believed humans are naturally good, possess natural rights (life, liberty, property), and hold the right to overthrow any government that fails to protect those rights.

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher influenced by the chaos of the English Civil War who argued that people are naturally selfish and greedy, requiring an absolute monarch to maintain order.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher who claimed that humans are naturally good but corrupted by society, famously stating: 'Men are always born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'

Voltaire

Enlightenment writer who used satire to promote morality and championed the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Early feminist thinker who advocated for equal rights and expanded educational opportunities for women.

Baron de Montesquieu

Political philosopher who advocated for a separation of powers into three distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) and a system of checks and balances.

Immanuel Kant

German philosopher associated with rationalism, empiricism, and the ethical principle of the Categorical Imperative.

Peter the Great

Autocratic tsar who westernized Russia to lift it out of medieval feudal isolation and relocated the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg to improve maritime trade.

Catherine the Great

Prussian-born empress of Russia influenced by Voltaire who expanded territory to the Black Sea, improved education for girls, and promoted religious tolerance while preserving the power of the nobility over serfs.

Joseph II of Austria

Enlightened despot of Austria who modernized the government, introduced religious freedom, abolished torture, and ended serfdom, though his reforms were undone after his death.

Frederick II of Prussia

Prussian monarch influenced by Voltaire who called himself the 'first servant of the state' and dedicated his life to helping his country

yes, Joseph II (Austria) The monarch who followed Enlightenment ideas the most; ended serfdom and expanded religious tolerance.

Which monarchs were influenced by the Enlightenment? Did they actually follow through with Enlightenment ideas?