Enlightenment
Definition
The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that took place in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, logic, and individualism as a means to challenge traditional authority and promote progress.
Analogy
The Enlightenment is like a bright light bulb illuminating a dark room. It brought new ideas and knowledge to society, just like how turning on a light brings clarity and understanding.
Related terms
Rationalism: A belief in the power of reason and logical thinking to understand the world.
Secularism: The separation of religion from government or public affairs.
Social Contract: An agreement between citizens and their government that outlines rights, responsibilities, and limitations for both parties.
"Enlightenment" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Additional resources (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.