Enlightenment Flashcards
Why was the Enlightenment an intellectual revolution?
It changed the way people viewed the world.
When did the Enlightenment start and when did it have its roots?
It began to form in the early 18th century but had its roots in the Renaissance.
When was the Scientific Revolution?
1540-1690
How did the Scientific Revolution change the way people approached problems?
Before, everything was based on religion. This was how people explained the world.
What are three causes of the Scientific Revolution?
- New areas of study at universities 2. rediscovery of Greek and Roman scientists 3. Desire to explore the world.
How did studies at universities change?
Before, only areas to study were theology and law. During the Scientific Revolution universities became a safe place to discuss and develop new ideas not related to religion.
How did thinkers gain more knowledge of mathematics?
They learned about it from contact with the Muslim empires.
How did the desire to explore the world lead to new knowledge?
Europeans had to learn to solve problems with navigation which led them to expand their knowledge. States supported voyages of exploration and provided funding to gain new knowledge.
Who were three important scholars during the Scientific Revolution?
- Copernicus 2. Galileo 3. Sir Isaac Newton
What are the two types of reasoning that were used to form the scientific method?
- deductive reasoning 2. empirical research
What were two results of the Scientific Revolution?
- development of the scientific method as a new way of gaining information about the world 2. development of an international scientific community that had the pursuit of knowledge as its main goal.
Did the Enlightenment affect the lower classes in society?
It mainly occurred in the middle and upper classes as the lower classes were more worried about daily living. The philosophers of the Enlightenment thought they were bringing “the light of knowledge” to the masses who they believed were superstitious, ignorant, backward.
How did the Scientific Revolution open the door for the Enlightenment?
It led people to question religion and the way things were setting the stage for the new ideas of the Enlightenment.
In what country did the Enlightenment start?
France–under Louis XIV France had become the cultural center of Europe.
How did ideas from France spread?
- Educated people spoke French, allowing ideas to spread. 2. Tutors taught the elites of Europe. 3. Salons–parties hosted by middle and upper class women where new ideas were discussed.
What are three important concepts of the Enlightenment?
- Scientific method should be applied to gaining knowledge in all aspects of life: reason should be the most important force in society, nothing should be accepted on faith.
- Laws of human socieity can be determined through the application of the scientific method to society –learn the laws that govern society–change society by understanding and changing the rules
- Progress–humans can build a better society and improve themselves–don’t just hope for something better in the afterlife
Who was Francois-Marie Arouet?
The French philosopher Voltaire. (1694-1778)
What is Voltaire’s most famous work? What was it about?
Candide–a novel using satire and humor to comment on war, religious persecution, and philosophical optimism. Voltaire said there are disasters and suffering but we should try to make the world better while we are here.
What is Voltaire’s idea of Enlightened Despotism?
The best form of government is an absolute monarchy but the monarch must be enlightened. Then the ruler will rule with the best interests of the people in mind.
Why was Voltaire against a constitutional government?
He believed the majority of people were not educated enough to make informed decisions about government affairs.
Which philosopher believed government exists to protect the basic rights of people?
John Locke
According to John Locke, what should happen if government fails to protect the rights of people?
The people should rebel against the government.
What are two events inspired by Locke’s ideas?
- American Revolution 2. French Revolution
What is one of John Locke’s most important works?
Essay Concerning Human Understanding 1690