Scientific Revolution: A period of great scientific advancements during the 16th and 17th centuries that laid the foundation for the Enlightenment by promoting empirical observation and questioning traditional knowledge.
Social Contract: An idea popularized by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau that suggests individuals enter into an agreement with their government to protect their natural rights in exchange for giving up some freedoms.
Salons: Informal social gatherings held by wealthy women during the Enlightenment where intellectuals would gather to discuss ideas and promote intellectual exchange.