Enlightenment Terms

The use of logic and rational thought to understand the world; central belief of the Enlightenment.

Reason

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

Natural Rights

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

Social Contract

Universal principles that govern human nature and society, discoverable through reason.

Natural Law

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

State of Nature

Rousseau’s concept that government should reflect the collective interest of the people.

General Will

Montesquieu’s idea that government power should be divided among branches to prevent tyranny.

Separation of Powers

System that allows each branch of government to limit the power of others. (Montesquieu)

Checks and Balances

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

Deism

“Blank slate”; Locke’s idea that the human mind is shaped by experience, not natural ideas.

Tabula Rosa

Absolute rulers who used Enlightenment ideas to reform society (e.g., Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great).

Enlightened Despotism

Social gatherings hosted by wealthy women to discuss Enlightenment ideas.

Salon

French Enlightenment intellectuals who promoted reason and progress.

Philosophe

Massive reference work compiled by Diderot to spread Enlightenment knowledge.

Encyclopedie

Movement away from religious control toward worldly (nonreligious) concerns.

Secularlism

Questioning of traditional beliefs and institutions, especially religion and monarchy.

Skepticis