The Enlightenment and Political Philosophy

Vocabulary flashcards covering core Enlightenment concepts, thinkers, natural rights, the social contract, and governmental authority.

Enlightenment

A movement that emphasized rational thinking over religious and social traditions, elevating the individual over the group and urging people to think for themselves instead of blindly following tradition or religious authority.

Natural rights (Locke)

Life, liberty, and property; rights that are God-given and inherent at birth rather than granted by an authority, meaning no king should interfere with them.

Sapere aude

A phrase associated with Immanuel Kant meaning "dare to know."

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals give up some of their freedom to a government, and in exchange the government provides safety and protects their rights.

Consent of the governed

The political principle stating that a government gets its power from the people.

Right to overthrow or change the government

The entitlement held by the people to replace or remove their government if it fails to protect their rights, grounded in the fact that government requires their consent.

Divine right of kings

The traditional doctrine regarding monarchical power that is directly opposed by the concepts of consent of the governed and God-given natural rights.