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 era inspired a renewed interest in the classical ideals of ancient Greece, leading to a revival of studies related to Greek antiquity and influencing art, literature, and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment encouraged critical thinking and questioned established norms, leading to significant advancements in science, philosophy, and politics.
2. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu contributed to the spread of Enlightenment ideas, many of which emphasized the importance of democracy and individual rights.
3. During this period, there was a resurgence of interest in Greek philosophy, particularly the works of Plato and Aristotle, which influenced modern thought.
4. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for various movements in the 19th century, including Romanticism and nationalism, by promoting ideas about individual liberty and self-expression.
5. Art and architecture during the Enlightenment reflected classical themes, with neoclassicism becoming a dominant style as artists sought to emulate ancient Greek ideals.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment challenge traditional authority and promote new ways of thinking?
  • The Enlightenment challenged traditional authority by encouraging individuals to think critically and rely on reason rather than accepting established beliefs blindly. Philosophers advocated for the questioning of social hierarchies and political structures, promoting ideas of democracy and personal rights. This shift in thought fostered a culture where scientific inquiry and intellectual discourse flourished, leading to transformative changes in society.
• Discuss the impact of Enlightenment thinkers on the revival of interest in Greek antiquity.
  • Enlightenment thinkers had a profound impact on the revival of interest in Greek antiquity by emphasizing rationalism and humanism. They admired ancient Greek philosophy for its focus on reason and ethics, which resonated with their own beliefs about knowledge and governance. This admiration led to increased exploration of classical texts, influencing education and art during this period as scholars sought to emulate Greek ideals in various fields.
• Evaluate how the principles of the Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern democratic governments.
  • The principles of the Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern democratic governments by advocating for individual rights, freedom of thought, and governance based on reason. Thinkers like John Locke argued for the idea of social contracts between rulers and citizens, emphasizing that governments should be accountable to the people. These ideas directly influenced revolutions in America and France, promoting the establishment of constitutional frameworks that prioritize democratic values and civil liberties.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and justification, often associated with thinkers like René Descartes.

Humanism: A cultural and intellectual movement that focused on the study of classical texts, promoting human values and the potential for individual achievement.

Classicism: An artistic and literary movement that draws inspiration from the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and balance.