1. Scientific Revolution: A period (1500–1700) called the "Age of Genius," where new ideas and discoveries in science changed the way people understood the universe and nature.
2. Heliocentric Model: The idea, proposed by Copernicus, that the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun.
3. Geocentric Model: The belief, based on Aristotle’s ideas, that Earth is the center of the universe and everything moves around it.
4. Law of Inertia: Galileo’s idea that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an outside force.
5. Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion: Mathematical rules developed by Johannes Kepler that explain the elliptical orbits of planets around the Sun.
6. Experimental Method: Galileo’s approach to learning through experiments and observation rather than relying on established beliefs.
7. Universal Gravitation: Newton’s concept that every object in the universe attracts every other object, which explains planetary motion.
8. Empiricism: The idea, promoted by Francis Bacon, that knowledge comes from observation and experimentation.
9. Cartesian Dualism: Descartes’s belief that the mind and body are separate entities, emphasizing reason over sensory experience.
10. Enlightenment: A cultural and intellectual movement (1690–1789) focused on reason, science, and progress to improve society.
11. Skepticism: The idea, promoted by thinkers like Pierre Bayle, that humans cannot know anything for sure.
12. Deism: The belief that God created the universe but does not interfere with it, like a watchmaker who builds a clock and lets it run.
13. Natural Rights: John Locke’s idea that all people are born with basic rights, like life, liberty, and property.
14. Tabula Rasa: Locke’s theory that people are born as blank slates, and their experiences shape who they become.
15. Separation of Powers: Montesquieu’s idea that government power should be divided into branches to prevent any one group from having too much control.
16. General Will: Rousseau’s concept that society should prioritize the collective interests of all its members.
17. Philosophes: Enlightenment thinkers who promoted science, reason, and freedom to improve society.
18. Salon: A gathering, often hosted by wealthy women, where intellectuals discussed ideas about science, philosophy, and society.
19. Rationalism: The belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge.
20. Scientific Racism: A false belief developed during the Enlightenment that classified humans into hierarchical races based on physical traits.
21. Social Contract: Rousseau’s idea that people agree to form a government that reflects the collective will of society.
22. Rococo: A decorative art style with pastel colors and ornate details, popular among elites in the 18th century.
23. Enlightened Absolutism: A type of monarchy where rulers embraced Enlightenment ideas like reform and progress while maintaining their authority.
24. Printing Revolution: The spread of ideas made faster and cheaper by the invention of the printing press, which helped circulate knowledge across Europe.
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