Enlightenment (sample notes)

Def: Intellectual movement in 18th century Europe (mainly France + England); also known
as the Age of Reason
I. Pre-Enlightenment (Middle Ages)
A.Feudalism- local/isolated, no social mobility, land-based. Concentration on protection
+ survival, instability
B.Absolute Monarchy- absolute ruler governs by Divine right (no check to power).
C.Power of the Church- collect taxes, own vast amount of land, moral + political
leaders
D.Superstitious
II. Roots of Enlightenment
A. Renaissance
1. Humanism- study of humanities, ethical theory and practice that emphasizes
human fulllment in the natural world
2. Individualism- belief in independent thought and action
C.Protestant Reformation- challenges power of the church
D.Scientic Revolution
1. Skepticism- doubt or unbelief
2. Secularism- separation of religion from civil affairs
3. Reason- Search for solution through reason + inquiry
III.Main Ideas of the Enlightenment
A. REASON:
1. empirical, factual observation --> search for truth
2. Reject superstition & tradition
3. using reason tried to discover truth of....
B. NATURE:
1. Nature is good and reasonable
2. natural laws--> natural rights
3. Once we can discern them we can improve society....
C. PROGRESS:
1. condence in human power to improve society & make world better, leads to
human happiness
2. man could improve his own situation
D. LIBERTY:
1. People need to be free so they can exercise their faculty of reason
E. Leads to HAPPINESS
IV.Where?
A. Salons and coffee houses
1. 1652: 1 coffee house in London, 1700: over 2,000 of them!
V. Who?
Def. Philosophes: intellectuals: men of letters, Bourgeoisie & nobility