Unit 2 Study Guide: Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from the Unit 2 Study Guide covering key figures, events, concepts, and maps of the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.

Copernacus

Key astronomer listed in the Scientific Revolution study guide associated with early heliocentric concepts.

Galileo

Astronomer whose observations supported heliocentrism and whose conflict with the Catholic Church illustrates the conflict between new evidence and traditional authority.

Newton

Scientist who introduced the idea that the universe operates according to discoverable natural laws, encouraging belief that reason could explain human society.

Hobbes

Political thinker who held a pessimistic view of human nature and believed a strong government was necessary to maintain peace and order.

Locke

Philosopher who proposed the theory of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and argued people could resist or replace an failing government.

Voltaire

Enlightenment philosophe known for his strong support of freedom of speech and religious tolerance.

Montesquieu

Enlightenment thinker who advocated for the separation of powers to divide political authority and prevent power abuse.

Rousseau

Enlightenment thinker who championed popular sovereignty and argued that political authority comes from the people.

Beccaria

Enlightenment thinker who argued for criminal justice reform, fair laws, and proportional punishment.

Wollstonecraft

Enlightenment thinker who advocated for women's education and greater social and political equality.

Enlightened Despots

Absolute monarchs who adopted Enlightenment-inspired reforms while retaining their absolute political power.

Geocentric Theory

The traditional belief that the Earth is the center of the universe, supported by traditional learning and Church teachings.

Heliocentric Theory

The scientific concept that the sun is the center of the solar system, directly challenging traditional learning and authority.

Scientific Revolution

A historic period of scientific advancement emphasizing observation, experimentation, reason, and evidence to challenge accepted authority.

Scientific Method

A systematic process relying on observation and experimentation to formulate, test, and revise scientific explanations.

Enlightenment / Age of Reason

An intellectual movement in which thinkers applied reason, evidence, and critical thinking to examine government, society, liberty, and rights.

Natural Rights

Locke's theory that every individual possesses inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which limit unlimited government power.

Popular Sovereignty

The Enlightenment principle that legitimate political authority originates from and belongs to the people.

Separation of Powers

The division of political authority into distinct branches to establish limits and prevent the abuse of political power.

Salons

Social gatherings where Enlightenment thinkers, scholars, and citizens met to discuss ideas and promote new learning.

Encyclopedia

A major published collection of articles that helped spread Enlightenment ideas throughout Europe.

Map of European Countries

Reference outline map used to locate key European territories including the Austrian Empire, England, France, Holy Roman Empire, Russia, Spain, and United Netherlands.

Key People, Events, and Concepts Table

Study guide reference chart organizing the main historical figures, key historical events, and core theoretical concepts of Unit 2.