Enlightenment Concepts and Scientific Revolution

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms from the notes on the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment thinkers, economic ideas, arts, and political reforms.

Scientific Revolution

A period (16th–17th centuries) when scientists questioned old beliefs and used observation, math, and experiments to uncover natural laws.

Natural Laws

Unchanging principles discoverable by reason that govern the physical world.

Scientific Method

Systematic process of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and verification.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who argued for an absolute ruler to maintain order via a social contract. Wrote the leviathan

Leviathan

Hobbes' book advocating strong centralized authority to prevent chaos.

Social Contract

Agreement between people and government to maintain order, sometimes yielding freedoms.

John Locke

Philosopher who argued for natural rights and government by consent; right to rebel if rights violated.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and property; inherent rights protected by government.

Glorious Revolution

1688 revolution that established constitutional limits on monarchy and a Bill of Rights.

Voltaire

Philosopher who championed freedom of speech and religion; critic of church and absolute authority.

Baron de Montesquieu

Philosopher who proposed separation of powers and checks and balances.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government into branches to prevent tyranny.

Rousseau

Philosopher who argued for popular sovereignty and government based on the general will.

Popular Sovereignty

Authority rests with the people; government derives power from the governed.

Physiocrats

Economic reformers who emphasized natural laws, opposed mercantilism, and favored laissez-faire.

Adam Smith

Economist who argued for the free market in The Wealth of Nations.

Mercantilism

Economic policy of strong government control of trade to increase wealth.

Laissez-faire

Economic policy of minimal government interference in business.

Baroque

Art style that is grand, ornate, and religious in character.

Neoclassical

Art style inspired by Greece and Rome, emphasizing simplicity and balance.

Classical Music

Music of the Enlightenment era; composers include Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.

Diderot's Encyclopedia

A comprehensive encyclopedia edited by Denis Diderot that spread Enlightenment ideas.

Gulliver's Travels

Swift's novel satirizing human nature and politics, conveying Enlightenment ideas.

Enlightened Despot

Absolute ruler who adopts Enlightenment reforms to strengthen the state.

Frederick the Great

King of Prussia who promoted religious tolerance, education, and reduced censorship; called himself the first servant of the state.

Joseph II

Austrian emperor who introduced freedom of religion and press, ended serfdom, and supported peasants.

Catherine the Great

Russian ruler who corresponded with Voltaire, reformed the justice system, and promoted religious tolerance; reforms later limited.

Salons

Social gatherings where philosophers and writers exchanged ideas.

Stamp Act

British tax on printed papers; opposed by the American colonies.

Navigation Acts

British laws regulating colonial trade to benefit Britain.

Declaration of Independence

Colonial document asserting independence based on natural rights.

Rights of the Accused

Beccaria's ideas about fair trials and no torture.

Beccaria

Criminal justice reformer who argued against torture and for fair legal processes.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Federal Republic

System of government that divides power among levels, as in the United States.