HST 111

Christian Humanism

A movement during the Renaissance that combined classical humanist principles with Christian faith.

Desiderius Erasmus

A Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian known for his writings advocating reform within the Church.

In Praise of Folly

A satirical work by Erasmus criticizing the Catholic Church and highlighting its corrupt practices.

Printing Press

An invention by Johannes Gutenberg that revolutionized the spread of information, increasing literacy and the distribution of texts.

Indulgence

A grant by the Catholic Church that allowed individuals to reduce the punishment for their sins, often sold as a means of generating revenue.

Martin Luther

A German theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation, known for advocating justification by faith alone.

Ninety-Five Theses

A document by Martin Luther that criticized the sale of indulgences and other Church practices, marking the beginning of the Reformation.

Break with Rome

The event where Martin Luther separated from the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of Protestantism.

Council of Trent

A gathering of Catholic Church leaders that aimed to address issues of reform and clarify Catholic doctrine in response to Protestant challenges.

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

A religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola focused on education, missionary work, and defending the Catholic faith.

Edict of Worms

A decree that condemned Martin Luther as a heretic and prohibited his writings.

Papal Authority

The supreme authority of the Pope in the Catholic Church, affirmed during the Counter-Reformation.

Absolutism

A political doctrine and practice where a single ruler has absolute power over the state and its governance.

Divine Right of Kings

The political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is given directly by God.

Natural Philosophy

The term used for the study of nature and the physical universe that was prevalent before the development of modern science.

Heliocentric Theory

The astronomical model proposed by Copernicus that places the Sun at the center of the universe, contrary to the geocentric model.

Scientific Method

A systematic procedure for acquiring knowledge that emphasizes empirical evidence and experimentation.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, science, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Utilitarianism

A philosophical theory that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, usually defined in terms of the well-being of the majority.

Deism

A belief in a rational God who created the universe but does not intervene in its functioning, as promoted during the Enlightenment.

Philosophes

The intellectuals of the Enlightenment who advocated for reason, scientific inquiry, and social reform.

Sovereignty

The ultimate authority in a political jurisdiction; the concept is heavily integrated into discussions of state power and authority.

Jacques Benigne Bossuet

A French bishop and theologian known for his defense of the divine right of kings.

Nicolaus Copernicus

A Renaissance astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at its center.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

A German philosopher and mathematician who contributed significantly to metaphysics and calculus, known for his optimism in human reason.

Voltaire

A French Enlightenment writer and philosopher known for his criticism of the Church and advocacy for civil liberties.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

An influential philosopher of the Enlightenment who proposed the concept of the social contract and the inherent goodness of humanity.

Salons

Social gatherings held in the homes of prominent figures where intellectuals discussed ideas and literature.

Encyclopédie

A comprehensive reference work that aimed to compile and disseminate knowledge, promoting Enlightenment ideas.

Scientific Revolution

A period of significant advancements in scientific thought and methodology from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

Humanism

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing classical learning and values.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aimed at reforming the Church and countering Protestant beliefs.

Mercantilism

An economic theory prevalent in the early modern period that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth, primarily through trade.

Sovereign State

A political entity characterized by territory, a permanent population, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, often involving the exploitation and control of indigenous peoples and resources.

Raison d'état

A principle of statecraft focusing on the interests and necessity of the state over moral or ethical considerations.

Transubstantiation

The Catholic doctrine that bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ.

Ecclesiastical Court

A court that deals with matters under the jurisdiction of the Church, including religious and moral issues.

Charivari

A traditional form of public shaming or protest, often enacted by communities against those who violated social norms.

Patriarchal Authority

A social structure in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.

Celibacy

The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, particularly as a requirement for certain clerical positions.

Peasant Marriage

A form of marriage among the lower classes that was typically characterized by practical arrangements, economic necessity, and unequal partnerships.

Partible Inheritance

A system of inheritance where the deceased's estate is divided among all the children.

Impartible Inheritance

A system where the entire estate is bequeathed to a single heir, often the eldest child.

Purgatory

In Catholic belief, a state of purification for souls who die in a state of grace but still need to atone for unconfessed sins.

The Priesthood of All Believers

A theological belief, championed by Martin Luther, that all Christians have direct access to God without the need for a priest as an intermediary.

Luther’s Three Principles

1. Good works are a natural consequence of true faith, 2) Scripture alone is the primary source of doctrinal authority, 3) Salvation comes through faith alone.

Roman Inquisition

A committee of cardinals established by the Catholic Church to combat heresy and enforce adherence to Catholic doctrine.

Index of Forbidden Books

A list published by the Catholic Church of prohibited texts, including works by Protestant authors and other writers deemed heretical.

Sola Scriptura

A principle of the Protestant Reformation asserting that Scripture alone is authoritative for faith and practice.

Common Good

A philosophical and ethical concept referring to benefits or interests shared by all or most members of a community.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal to divide newly discovered lands between them along a meridian.

Repartimiento

A labor system whereby indigenous peoples were allocated to colonists for forced labor in Spanish colonies.

Encomienda

A Spanish labor system that granted colonists the right to demand tribute and forced labor from indigenous inhabitants.

Scientific Revolution

A period marked by major advances in scientific thought and methods, leading to a new understanding of nature and the universe.

Empiricism

A philosophical theory that states knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience.

Absolutist Regime

A government structure in which one leader holds supreme authority and power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler.

Crisis of the Church

A period marked by significant challenges faced by the Church, including corruption, political conflicts, and loss of authority.

Mystical Experience

A subjective, often transcendent experience of union with the divine or a sense of profound spiritual insight.

Rene Descartes

A French philosopher and mathematician known as the 'father of modern philosophy' for his work in skepticism and rationalism.

Natural Rights

The rights inherent to being human, often cited as Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Political Testament

A work by Richelieu outlining his views on statecraft and the role of monarchy in governance.

Social Contract

The philosophical theory that individuals consent, explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit.

Decline of the Christian Church

A gradual reduction in the authority and influence of the Christian Church during the Reformation and Enlightenment.

European Overseas Empires

Colonial territories established by European nations for trade and exploitation during the Age of Discovery.

Constitutional Monarchy

A form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution.

Historical Significance

The importance or impact of an event, figure, or movement on history.

King Louis XIV

The French monarch known as the 'Sun King' who exemplified the principles of absolutism and centralized power.

Voltaire's Critique

A critical examination of societal norms, government, and religion, advocating for tolerance and reason.

Galileo's Findings

Discoveries made by Galileo Galilei that challenged existing views of the cosmos, including the moons of Jupiter.

Isaac Newton

An English mathematician and physicist known for formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Cultural Tolerance

The acceptance and coexistence of diverse cultural practices and beliefs.

Decline of Feudalism

The gradual weakening of feudal structures in Europe, leading to the emergence of centralized states.

Loyalty to the State

A sense of allegiance and commitment to one’s nation or governing body, often emphasized in absolutist regimes.

Jeanne Antoinette Poisson

Also known as Madame de Pompadour, she was a prominent patron of the arts during the reign of Louis XV in France.

Know Your Rights

A phrase emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding of individual rights within society.

End of Monarchical Rule

A shift away from absolute monarchy towards systems of governance that allow for greater participation and accountability.

Women's Role in Society

Diverse functions and expectations of women in society, which have evolved significantly over time.

Theories of Human Nature

Philosophical inquiries into what constitutes human nature, exploring concepts of freedom, goodness, and morality.

Civic Responsibility

The duties and obligations of citizens to engage with and contribute to their community and government.

Legacy of the Enlightenment

The enduring impact of Enlightenment ideas on modern democracy, human rights, and scientific progress.

Religious Reform

Efforts aimed at improving, updating, or changing faith practices within religious communities.

Baroque Art

A style of artistic expression characterized by exaggerated motion and clear detail, influencing music and architecture alike.

Social Inequality

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among individuals within a society.

Pragmatism

A philosophical approach that assesses the truth of beliefs based on their practical outcomes and effects.