AP WORLD UNIT 5

Rationalism

A philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of reason and logic in understanding the world, suggesting that knowledge is primarily gained through intellectual and deductive processes rather than emotional or traditional beliefs.

Empiricism

The scientific principle that the acquisition of knowledge comes from experience and observation, advocating for the use of experimentation as the basis for forming conclusions rather than relying solely on established authorities.

Deism

A religious belief system that posits the existence of a creator who set the universe in motion but does not intervene in human affairs, emphasizing a rational understanding of God through nature.

Atheism

The philosophical stance that rejects the existence of any deity or divine being, advocating for a worldview based on scientific understanding and skepticism.

Natural Rights

A key political theory articulated by John Locke, asserting that all individuals possess inherent rights that cannot be taken away, specifically rights to life, liberty, and property, which should be protected by governments.

Social Contract

The theoretical agreement among individuals in a society to form a government, whereby they consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for the protection of their remaining rights, forming the foundation of political legitimacy.

Scientific Revolution

A significant historical period marked by profound advancements in scientific thought and methodology during the 16th and 17th centuries, which shifted the source of authority from traditional texts to empirical evidence and rational inquiry.

Nationalism

A political ideology promoting the interests and culture of a particular nation, advocating for self-governance and the unification of people sharing common attributes such as language, ethnicity, and historical experiences.

Liberalism

A political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, civil liberties, and equitable treatment under the law, advocating for democracy and the protection of personal properties and freedoms.

Industrial Revolution

A transformative historical period that began in the late 18th century, characterized by a shift from agrarian economies based on agriculture to industrial economies driven by mechanized production processes and technologies.

Urbanization

The process through which societies experience a demographic shift, with a growing number of people moving from rural areas to urban centers, driven largely by the search for job opportunities as traditional farming declines.

Technological Innovations

Significant advancements in various fields of technology that have catalyzed industrial growth and productivity, including inventions such as the steam engine and developments in chemical engineering and machinery.

Labor Laws

Legislative measures aimed at protecting workers' rights and improving conditions in the workplace, establishing standards for wages, working hours, and safety protocols to ensure fair treatment of the labor force.

Public Education

The expansion of accessible educational frameworks for children regardless of gender, significantly contributing to improved literacy rates, social mobility, and informed citizenship in society.