5.1: The Enlightenment 1750-1900 t

Use of human reason to understand natural laws and social institutions

What core idea distinguished Enlightenment thinkers from those of earlier eras?

Humanism emphasized the value of human experience and rational thought, leading Enlightenment thinkers to apply reason to all areas of life, including politics, ethics, and science.

How did Humanism influence Enlightenment thought?

the scientific method and empiricism.

Francis Bacon contributed to Enlightenment thinking by promoting:

Locke believed in a social contract that protected natural rights, while Hobbes favored absolute authority to maintain order.

How did John Locke’s political theory differ from Thomas Hobbes’?

The rise of democratic governance and the questioning of absolute monarchy.

Which of the following best reflects a major political effect of Enlightenment thought?

minimal government intervention in the economy, prioritizing free markets and competition.

Adam Smith's economic philosophy of laissez-faire capitalism emphasized:

Enlightenment ideas promoted reason and individualism, leading to a questioning of traditional religious authority and an embrace of secularism.

How did Enlightenment ideas change the relationship many had with religion?

The emergence of feminist philosophy and advocacy for equality, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms.

Which Enlightenment-era development most directly supported women’s rights?

The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 was significant as it marked the first women's rights convention in the United States, where advocates gathered to discuss and promote women's suffrage and equality.

What was the significance of the Seneca Falls Convention?

Enlightenment thought emphasized ideals such as liberty, equality, and human rights, which galvanized abolitionists to argue against slavery and advocate for the freedom and dignity of all individuals.

How did Enlightenment thought influence abolitionist movements?