Light

Enlightenment Ideals

Definition

The Enlightenment ideals refer to a philosophical movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, logic, and individualism. It promoted ideas such as freedom, equality, and human rights.

Analogy

Think of the Enlightenment ideals as a bright light shining on society, illuminating new ideas and challenging traditional beliefs.

Related terms

Scientific Revolution: A period of great scientific advancements during the 16th and 17th centuries that laid the foundation for the Enlightenment by promoting empirical observation and questioning traditional knowledge.

Social Contract: An idea popularized by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau that suggests individuals enter into an agreement with their government to protect their natural rights in exchange for giving up some freedoms.

Salons: Informal social gatherings held by wealthy women during the Enlightenment where intellectuals would gather to discuss ideas and promote intellectual exchange.