Enlightenment Ideals

What does the Enlightenment ideal of reason emphasize?

Freedom means being able to think rationally for yourself and that reason will lead us to the truth.

What does the Enlightenment ideal of universality suggest about humans?

All humans are equal by nature.

How is human history characterized according to Enlightenment ideals?

Human history is the story of progress in the human condition.

What does secularism in the Enlightenment context advocate for?

Religion and politics should be separated, and one’s method of worship should be a private matter.

What is the relationship between economics and politics in Enlightenment thought?

A society’s well-being depends on how its economy is structured.

What is the Enlightenment's view on popular government?

People are capable of ruling themselves, and the aristocracy is not the only class that deserves to rule.