Enlightenment Philosophy

Definition

Enlightenment philosophy is a movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It laid the intellectual groundwork for the modern world, encouraging people to think critically about society, politics, and religion, which significantly influenced key documents like the Declaration of Independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Jefferson argued for the importance of individual rights and government accountability, which are core themes in the Declaration of Independence.
2. The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment ideas by asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
3. The emphasis on reason during the Enlightenment led to questioning of absolute monarchies and the divine right of kings, fostering democratic ideals.
4. Enlightenment philosophy introduced the concept of natural rights, which Jefferson incorporated into the Declaration to justify the colonies' break from British rule.
5. Key Enlightenment principles inspired revolutionary movements worldwide, influencing not just American independence but also later global struggles for freedom and equality.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophy influence the writers of the Declaration of Independence?
  • Enlightenment philosophy significantly shaped the writers of the Declaration of Independence by promoting ideas such as individual rights and government accountability. Thinkers like John Locke argued that people have natural rights that must be protected by the government. This philosophy led Thomas Jefferson to assert in the Declaration that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, establishing a foundation for American democracy.
• In what ways does the concept of natural rights serve as a foundational element in both Enlightenment philosophy and the Declaration of Independence?
  • Natural rights are central to both Enlightenment philosophy and the Declaration of Independence. Enlightenment thinkers posited that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. The Declaration echoes this idea by stating that these rights are unalienable and must be safeguarded by government authority. This connection underscores a crucial shift toward recognizing individual freedoms and establishing a basis for legitimate governance.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment philosophy on contemporary democratic principles seen in modern governance.
  • Enlightenment philosophy has profoundly impacted contemporary democratic principles by instilling values such as individual rights, equality before the law, and government by consent. The foundational ideas about human rights articulated during this period have influenced modern constitutions and legal systems worldwide. By promoting critical thinking and questioning authority, Enlightenment thought has fostered an environment where democratic ideals thrive, leading to ongoing movements advocating for freedom and justice around the globe.

Related terms

Rationalism: A belief system that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and understanding.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that explores the legitimacy of authority based on a hypothetical agreement among individuals to form a society.

Natural Rights: Philosophical concepts asserting that individuals possess inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, that should not be violated by governments.