The Enlightenment

15 key terms (History)

Natural Law

unchanging principle, discovered through reason, that governs human conduct

Philosophe

French for "philosopher"; French thinker who desired reform in society during the Enlightenment

Natural Rights

rights that belongs to all humans from birth, such as life, liberty, and property

Social Contract

an agreement by which people gave up their freedom to a powerful government in order to avoid chaos

Laissez Faire

policy allowing business to operate with little or no government interference

Salons

informal social gathering at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas

Censorship

Restriction on access to ideas and information

Baroque

ornate style of art and architecture popular in the 1600s and 1700s

‘Rococo

personal, elegant style of art and architecture made popular during the mid-1700s that featured designs with the shapes of leaves, shells, and flowers

Popular Sovereignty

People control all political power

Federal Republic

government in which power is divided between the national, or federal, government and the states

Enlightened Despot

absolute ruler who used his or her power to bring about political and social change

Oligarchy

member of an oligarchy; typically a wealthy person with political power

Prime Minister

the chief executive of a parliamentary government

Cabinet

parliamentary advisors to the king who originally met in a small room, or cabinet