18th-century intellectual movement

Definition

The 18th-century intellectual movement, commonly known as the Enlightenment, was a period characterized by the emergence of new ideas focused on reason, science, and individualism. This movement encouraged questioning traditional authority and sought to promote knowledge through rational thought, fostering significant advancements in philosophy, politics, and the arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment was significantly influenced by earlier scientific revolutions that emphasized observation and experimentation, leading to a newfound appreciation for human reason.
2. Key figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant played vital roles in shaping Enlightenment thought by advocating for civil liberties, social contracts, and moral philosophy.
3. The movement spread across Europe and North America, inspiring revolutionary ideas that contributed to political upheaval, including the American and French Revolutions.
4. Enlightenment thinkers often challenged traditional institutions like monarchy and the church, promoting ideas about democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights.
5. The legacy of the Enlightenment can be seen in modern democratic governments, educational reforms, and continued advocacy for individual rights and liberties.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers challenge traditional authority during the 18th century?
  • Enlightenment thinkers challenged traditional authority by promoting reason as the basis for knowledge instead of relying solely on religious or monarchical doctrine. They questioned established norms and proposed new ideas about governance, civil rights, and human nature. This shift in thinking inspired people to advocate for changes in society and governance, leading to movements aimed at reforming or overthrowing oppressive systems.
• Analyze the impact of key Enlightenment figures like Voltaire and Rousseau on contemporary political thought.
  • Voltaire's advocacy for freedom of speech and separation of church and state influenced modern democratic principles. Rousseau's ideas about the social contract laid the groundwork for notions of popular sovereignty and collective will. Together, these thinkers helped shape contemporary understandings of individual rights, citizenship, and the importance of civic engagement in political systems.
• Evaluate the lasting effects of the Enlightenment on modern society and governance.
  • The Enlightenment has had profound lasting effects on modern society by laying the foundation for democratic governance, human rights, and secularism. Its emphasis on reason has led to advances in science, philosophy, and education. Furthermore, many contemporary political systems are built upon Enlightenment principles that advocate for individual freedoms, equality before the law, and accountability of government to its citizens, reflecting a legacy that continues to influence debates on social justice today.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and is superior to sensory experience.

Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience and emphasizes observation and experimentation.

Deism: A philosophical belief in a rational God who created the universe but does not intervene in human affairs or suspend the natural laws of the universe.