Enlightenment Study Guide for World History

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition.

Scientific Revolution

A period of major scientific advancements that transformed views of society and nature.

Reason/Rational thought

The capacity to think logically and make judgments based on facts and evidence.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry that involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Absolute Monarchy

A form of government where a single ruler has complete control over the state.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from the consent of the people.

Democratic Republic

A form of government in which representatives are elected by the people to make decisions.

Limited Government

A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by law.

General will

The collective will of the citizens that aims for the common good.

Balance of Power/ Branches of Gov't

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

Checks and Balances

A principle that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Tabula Rasa

The theory that individuals are born without built-in mental content; knowledge comes from experience.

Laissez Faire

An economic philosophy of minimal government intervention in the economy.

Salon

A gathering of intellectuals and artists to discuss ideas and promote enlightenment.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules.

Branches of Government

The divisions of government responsible for making, enforcing, and interpreting laws.

Encyclopedia

A comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, often compiled by experts.

Declaration of Independence

A document asserting the independence of the colonies from British rule.

Constitution

The fundamental principles and established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Philosophe

A French term for intellectuals of the Enlightenment who advocated for reason and reform.

Deism

The belief in a rational God who created the universe but does not intervene in its workings.

Locke

an Enlightenment thinker known for his theories on natural rights and government.

Hobbes

a philosopher who argued for a strong central authority to avoid chaos.

Rousseau

known for his ideas on the social contract and popular sovereignty.

Smith

an economist who laid the foundations of classical economics and free market theory.

Diderot

a philosopher known for co-editing the Encyclopedia and promoting Enlightenment ideas.

Wollstonecraft

an advocate for women's rights and education during the Enlightenment.

Beccaria

a philosopher known for his work on criminal justice and legal reform.

Montesquieu

a political philosopher known for his theory of separation of powers.

Voltaire

known for his advocacy of civil liberties and criticism of the church.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions.

Enlightened Despot

A form of absolute monarchy inspired by the Enlightenment, where rulers implement reforms.

Legacy of the Enlightenment

The lasting impact of Enlightenment ideas on modern democracy, human rights, and science.