Key Terms and Concepts from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, including influential ideas and thinkers.

Geocentric theory

The belief that Earth is the center of the universe and everything revolves around it.

Scientific Revolution

A major change in thinking characterized by the use of observation and questioning rather than solely relying on ancient authorities.

Heliocentric theory

Copernicus’s idea that the sun is the center of the universe, with planets, including Earth, revolving around it.

Galileo Galilei

An astronomer who supported heliocentrism through telescope observations but faced punishment from the Church.

Scientific method

A systematic process where scientists formulate hypotheses, conduct tests, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Isaac Newton

A scientist who formulated the law of universal gravitation and demonstrated its application on Earth and in space.

Deism

The belief that God created the universe, which operates according to natural laws, akin to a clock.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, logic, and the belief that people could solve problems through education.

Social contract

An agreement in which individuals give up some freedoms to a government in return for order and protection.

John Locke

A philosopher who advocated for natural rights and the idea that people can overthrow a government if their rights are not protected.

Philosophe

A French social critic advocating for reform and challenging traditional laws and values using reason.

Rationalism

The belief that knowledge and truth can be derived from logical reasoning rather than tradition or faith.

Voltaire

A thinker who defended freedom of speech and religion, known for using satire to expose injustices.

Montesquieu

The philosopher who proposed the separation of powers to prevent any group from gaining excessive control.

Rousseau

A philosopher who believed government should represent the general will and endorsed democracy and equality.

Individualism

The belief that individuals should rely on their own abilities and reasoning rather than depend on authorities.

Adam Smith

An Enlightenment thinker who promoted free markets and the idea that economies flourish through self-interest.

Mercantilism

An economic theory focused on maximizing exports and minimizing imports to gain national wealth.

Enlightened despot

A ruler who embraced some Enlightenment reforms while maintaining absolute power.

Salons

Social gatherings where individuals discussed Enlightenment ideas and philosophy.

Encyclopedia

A comprehensive work that compiled and disseminated Enlightenment knowledge.

Declaration of Independence

A document primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson declaring the American colonies' separation from Britain.

Checks and balances

A government system ensuring that each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Federal system

A form of governance where power is distributed between a central government and state governments.

Bill of Rights

The initial ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution safeguarding fundamental freedoms and rights.

Why did the Catholic Church oppose heliocentric theory?

It contradicted church teachings and threatened the Church’s authority.

How was thee scientific method different from Medieval scholars’ approach?

The scientific method was different because it relied on observation, experimentation, collecting data, and testing ideas instead of just accepting old beliefs.

Why do institutions of authority often reject new ideas?

Because those ideas can threaten their power and control.

Why did John Locke oppose the idea of an absolute monarch?

He believed rulers should not have total power. He believed that government existed to protect people’s natural rights, and if a monarch violated those rights, the people had the right to overthrow the government.

How did the philosophes use their art?

Through their writings and art, the philosophes hoped to challenge unfair traditions, expose corruption and injustice, and encourage people to think logically so society could become more fair, free, and equal.

How were classical music and neoclassical architecture inspired by Greek and Roman traditions?

They focused on balance, order, harmony, and were simple, instead of fancy in terms of decoration.

Why is the term “enlightened despot” appropriate for rulers like Joseph II and Catherine the Great?

They supported some Enlightenment ideas and tried to make changes, but they still ruled as absolute monarchs and did not give up any power to the people.

What were some advantages of salons over earlier forms of communication?

Salons helped spread ideas faster because they allowed people to meet face-to-face, debate new beliefs, and share Enlightenment thinking in a social setting. They also connected writers, thinkers, and leaders who could spread ideas to even more people.

Why were some women critical of the Enlightenment?

It promoted equality and rights, but many Enlightenment thinkers still excluded women from those rights, and society continued to limit women’s education and opportunities.

Why were the colonists upset about the Stamp Act?

The Stamp Act forced them to pay a tax on printed materials, and they believed Britain had no right to tax them without their representation in Parliament (“taxation without representation”).

How did John Locke’s notion of a social contract influence American colonists?

It taught that government must protect people’s natural rights, and if it fails, the people have the right to overthrow it. This encouraged colonists to rebel against British rule.

Why is it important to have a Bill of Rights?

It protects citizens from the government taking away their freedoms. It guarantees basic rights like speech and religion so leaders cannot easily become tyrannical or unfair.