Lesson 19 of 84 · World Religions
⭐ 30 XP🤝 People CircleThe Enlightenment: New Ideas
The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was an intellectual movement that championed reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.
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Mind = Blown
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Then & Now
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The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was an intellectual movement that championed reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau questioned the status quo, advocating for concepts such as natural rights and social contracts. Their ideas not only shaped political thought in Europe but also inspired revolutionary movements, including the American and French Revolutions. The Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of education and rational thought in governance.
Key Facts
The Enlightenment is often referred to as the 'Age of Reason'.
John Locke's ideas about natural rights influenced both the American and French Revolutions.
Philosophers of the Enlightenment challenged the authority of monarchies and established religions.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is the Enlightenment often referred to as?
Why this still matters
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