Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period encouraged new ideas about government, science, and society, influencing various aspects of life in 18th-century New England, including religion, education, and social norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment challenged traditional authority, leading to questioning of monarchies and established churches in New England.
2. Key figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were influenced by Enlightenment ideals, promoting education and civic responsibility.
3. The movement encouraged the rise of institutions such as libraries and universities, facilitating greater access to knowledge among the public.
4. Enlightenment thinkers promoted ideas of natural rights and individual liberty, which would later influence revolutionary movements across America.
5. In New England, the Great Awakening was a religious revival that both clashed with and was influenced by Enlightenment thinking, leading to a unique blend of rationality and spirituality.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence social norms in 18th-century New England?
  • The Enlightenment introduced new ideas about individual rights, reason, and skepticism toward traditional authority, which significantly influenced social norms in 18th-century New England. This period saw an emphasis on education and civic engagement, with individuals encouraged to think critically about their roles in society. As a result, communities began to value rational discourse over blind adherence to tradition, fostering an environment where people could challenge existing social hierarchies.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment thought on political philosophy during this era.
  • Enlightenment thought profoundly impacted political philosophy by advocating for concepts like the social contract and natural rights. Thinkers such as John Locke argued that governments should protect individual liberties and derive their authority from the consent of the governed. These ideas resonated deeply in New England, laying the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments that questioned monarchical rule and emphasized democratic principles.
• Synthesize the relationship between Enlightenment ideals and religious movements like the Great Awakening in New England.
  • The relationship between Enlightenment ideals and religious movements like the Great Awakening in New England was complex and multifaceted. While Enlightenment thinkers advocated for reason and empirical evidence over religious dogma, the Great Awakening emphasized personal faith and emotional experience. This dynamic created a unique cultural landscape where rationality coexisted with fervent spirituality. Ultimately, both movements contributed to reshaping societal values, encouraging individuals to seek personal understanding of both faith and reason.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and should be the basis for understanding the world.

Deism: A religious belief that emphasizes reason and observation of the natural world as a way to understand God's existence, rejecting organized religion and revealed scripture.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights and promote social order, often associated with Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.