w civ enlightenment vocab

Reason

The use of logic and rational thought to under the world; central belief of enlightenment

Natural rights

Rights all people are born with, such a life, liberty, and property ( John Locke)

Social contract

The idea that people give up some freedoms to government in exchange for protection of rights

Natural law

Universal principles that govern number nature and society, discoverable through reason

State of nature

The condition of humanity before government; used by Hobbes and Locke to justify government formation

General will

Rousseaus concept that government should reflect the collective interest of the people

Separation of powers

Montesquieus idea that government power should’ve divided among batches to prevent tyranny

Checks and balances

System that allows each branch of government to limit the power of others

Deism

Belief that God created the universe but does not interfere with human affairs ; based on reason not revelation

Tabula rasa

“ blank slate” ; Locke idea that the human mind is shaped by experiences not natural ideas

Enlightened despotism

Absolute rules who used enlighten ideas to reform society ( Frederick the great, Catherine the great)

Salon

Social gathering hosted by wealthy women to discuss enlightenment ideas

Philosophe

French enlightenment intellectuals who promoted reason and progress

Encyclopedie

Massive reference work complied by dirt to spread enlightenment knowledge

Secularism

Movement away from religious control toward worldly ( non religious) concerns

Skepticism

Questioning of traditional belief and institutions, especially religion and monarchy