Enlightenment Vocabulary

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Enlightenment

A movement in the 18th century where philosophers looked for natural laws that governed society and politics.

Philospoher

A person who seeks wisdom and understanding

Absolutism

A political system in which a ruler holds total power

Divine Right Theory

Belief that a rulers authority comes directly from God.

Social contract

an agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be goverened,

Natural rights

The idea that all humans are born with right, which include the right to life, liberty, and property.

Separation of powers

Diving the powers of government among different branches so that one group or person does not have too much power.

System of checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power.

General will

The will, or wants, of the people as a whole

Laissez-faire

Idea that government should play as a small role possible in economic affairs. “Let it happen” De

Despot

A dictator with absolute power

Enlightenened Despot

Enlightened ruler who was inspired by the enlightenment and use his or her power to bring about political and social change.

Salon

gatherings in which intellectual and political ideas were exchanged during the enlistment.