Introduction to Humanities - Mod 4

Isaac Newton

laws of motion

Angelica Kauffmann

(1741-1807) •Neoclassical artist •Best known for her painting titled "Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi" or "Cornelia Presenting Her Children As Treasures"

Which of the following statements would a Deist philosopher during the Enlightenment subscribe to?

A Deist would believe that God created the universe and decreed its order. Feedback: The correct answer is c. See 4.08. A Deist would believe that God created the universe, but that he does not interfere with the order he created.

Mary Wollstonecraft

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) argued that women were capable of rationality and that they should be educated, if only because they needed an education in order to raise the nation's children and to be proper companions to men. Argued that women were capable of rationality and advocated for the advancement and education of women.

Classicism

A coinciding movement in decorative arts, visual arts, theater, music, and architecture that occurred along with the Age of Enlightenment has been given the name Neoclassicism, because it was built on principles of classicism, aesthetic principles and themes tracing their roots back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. While the influence was throughout all artistic disciples, it can perhaps best be seen in the visual arts, which not only adopted classical themes and content but also techniques.

Rationalism

A prominent philosophical movement during the Enlightenment was that of rationalism. Rationalists believed that human reason was the key to knowledge and, therefore, social improvement and progress. René Descartes (1596-1650), sometimes called the father of modern philosophy, is considered to have been the first modern rationalist. He devised a methodology of logical thinking built upon intellectual deductive reasoning.

Empiricism

Although a Renaissance figure, Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an important influence in the empiricism of the Age of Enlightenment because of his experimental philosophy. Empiricism may be defined as basing ideas and theories on direct experience through the senses, including experimentation. Bacon is seen as the father of the scientific method based upon observation, experimentation, and induction. The great Enlightenment scientist following the path set by Bacon was, of course, Sir Isaac Newton, who perfected the inductive scientific method and paved the way for modern science.

Neoclassicism

Art movement of 18th century that drew on Greek and Roman art for models of harmony, idealized realism, and reason.

Which of the following are major themes of the Enlightenment? (Choose all that apply)

Deism Empiricism Order Feedback: The correct answers are a, c, and d. See 4.05. Enlightenment thinkers were often Deists, those who believed in a more distant, impersonal god. They also believed in empiricism, learning through observation and experimentation, and in the order of the universe.

According to Dr. Paula Carabell, the painting The Death of Marat likens Marat to which historical figure?

Christ Correct. In the painting, The Death of Marat, David depicts Marat's lifeless body with its head leaned back and his arm forward—a posture that, at the time, was well-known to represent Christ.

How does the Neoclassical Period influence contemporary culture?

Contemporary political satire, including shows like The Daily Show, traces its roots to the use of political satire in the Neoclassical Period. Feedback: The correct answer is c. See 4.16. Satires were popular in the Neoclassical Period and continue to be used for didactic purposes.

According to Dr. Paula Carabell, what elements found in the painting Oath of the Horatii indicate that it is representative of the Neoclassical Period?

Correct. Neoclassicism pulled from Roman art and architecture, which, Dr. Carabell explains, is represented in the Roman arches of the painting. In addition, the anguished figures of the women reflect the notion that they are destined to lose their husbands, brothers, or sons to battle, as there was a prevailing notion that allegiance to country was more important than allegiance to family.

Which of the following beliefs would a deist likely hold?

Death has a scientific explanation, the laws of which God created. Correct. The answer is c. Deists did believe in God as a creator of the universe and that God created the laws which govern the universe. However, they did not believe that God interfered in the natural world or daily lives of people, nor did they believe in miraculous events.

Which of the following philosophical approaches relies on direct observation and experimentation?

Empiricism Feedback: The correct answer is c. See 4.05. Empiricism uses direct observation and experimentation to obtain knowledge.

Neoclassical productions featured actors speaking naturally and wearing simple, realistic costumes. True or False?

False Correct. This statement is false. Actors in Neoclassical productions spoke highly stylized language while wearing elaborate costumes.

Deists embraced religious authority from priests and kings. True or False?

False Correct. This statement is false. Deists opposed both religious and political authority, both priests and kings, because they believed that each individual needed to be equally free to work out his or her own destiny.

Enlightenment thinkers valued order and therefore believed that a state should strictly control its citizens. True or false?

False Correct. This statement is false. Enligtenment thinkers believed that natural world, despite being created by God, was ordered and therefore could be studied and understood by human beings.

Denis Diderot

French philosophes and creators of the greatest encyclopedia in the 18th century. He wrote philosophical dialogues that explored the theory and consequence of materialism, the idea that the universe is entirely composed of matter and without a God. Worked with Jean le Rond d'Alembert to create the Encyclopédie.

Which of the following statements is true of Classical music?

It coincided with the Neoclassical movement in the visual arts and emphasized lyrical melodies over more homophonic texture Feedback: The correct answer is b. See 4.14. Classical music was produced in the Enlightenment Period, coinciding with the Neoclassical movement in the visual arts. It emphasized lyrical melodies over more homophonic texture.

Why is Voltaire's novel Candide a significant work from the Enlightenment?

It is skeptical of philosophers who believe this is the best of all possible worlds Feedback: The correct answer is c. See 4.10. Voltaire was famous for writing witty satires of the social and political practices of his day. Candide features a philosopher who, despite terrible misfortunes, continues to believe this is the best of all possible worlds.

Why is Jacques-Louis David's painting The Death of Marat typical of the Neoclassical style? (Select two)

It uses sharp, clean lines and chiaroscuro. The figure has a sculpted quality, inspired by Classical statues. Feedback: The correct answers are a and c. See 4.12 and 4.13. David is considered one of the preeminent Neoclassical painters and his paintings have sharp colors and chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and dark to create depth) and c. the human figures in his paintings appear sculptural in nature, as in the painting above..

Gulliver's Travels; "A Modest Proposal"/Jonathan Swift

Skepticism and Classicism Swift's satire addresses: the limitations and dangers of relying solely on abstract human reason the danger of unimportant religious disputes the value of older, Classical thinking compared to modern philosophy

Which of the following statements about philosophical works in the Enlightenment is false?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of the "noble savage" placed the burden of educating Native Americans on the upper class and nobility.

Who said, "The age we live in is a busy age, in which knowledge is rapidly advancing towards perfection"?

Jeremy Bentham Correct. The answer is b. It was English philosopher Jeremy Bentham who said, "The age we live in is a busy age, in which knowledge is rapidly advancing towards perfection."

Molière/Tartuffe

Molière uses satire to deliver his religious and social critique. a critique of false religious piety It contains lofty language and calls for elaborate costumes and settings.

following structures examples of Neoclassical architecture?

Monticello in Virginia Brandenburg Gate in Berlin The Panthéon in Paris

What is unusual about the work Eine kleine Nachtmusik?

One of the parts is missing. Correct. One of the mysteries surrounding Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik is the fifth movement is lost.

Skepticism

Philosophically, Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of the human mind to find answers pertaining to science, behavior, and nature. Key philosophers of the time, such as René Descartes and David Hume, used "rational skepticism" to ensure that their thinking was based on logic and not on prejudice. This critical attitude helped to define the age. In the words of David Hume: All that belongs to human understanding, in this deep ignorance and obscurity, is to be skeptical, or at least cautious, and not to admit of any hypothesis whatever, much less of any which is supported by no appearance of probability

Candide; Zaire (play); Letters on the English/Voltaire

Skepticism and Progress Voltaire's novel addresses: the hypocrisy of religious leaders the unrealistic optimism of religious philosophers who believed God had created a perfect world the need for humans to be skeptical of traditional social and political institutions

How did slave narratives, such as The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, affect cultural exchange and diversity within the Enlightenment period?

Social progress was aided through realistic depictions of the living conditions of slaves. Feedback: The correct answer is d. See 4.15. Cultural exchange and diversity were aided by first-hand accounts of becoming enslaved, the experience of slavery, and seeking freedom.

Enlightenment

The 17th and 18th centuries saw a dramatic shift toward rational thought and advancements in science, philosophy, society, and politics. The ideas of this period

How do themes of the Enlightenment contrast with themes of the Renaissance Period? (Choose Two)

The Enlightenment embraced Deism's understanding of God as a grand architect, while the Renaissance Period explored Catholic and Protestant teachings. The Enlightenment valued the order and clarity of classical art, while the Renaissance Period focused on the classical ideas of humanism. Feedback: The correct answers are a and c. A. Both periods looked to the classical heritage, but they emphasized different aspects. The Renaissance focused on the humanism of the Classical Period. The Enlightenment period valued the order and clarity they saw in classical art and architecture. See 3.05 4.05, and 4.12 C. The Renaissance saw the division of Christianity into Catholicism and Protestantism. The Enlightenment developed the concept of Deism, the idea of God who designed the universe and natural laws but does not intervene in daily life. See 3.08 and 4.08.

What is empiricism?

The concept that all knowledge comes from the direct experience of the senses, which formed the foundation of the scientific method Correct. The answer is a. Empiricism, or the theory that all knowledge comes from the direct experience of the senses, is the foundation of the modern scientific method, in which observation and experimentation lead to ideas and theories.

How does the novel Candide reflect period themes?

The novel indicts outdated social and political practices. Correct. The novel attacks a number of different social and religious actions and institutions. Voltaire's satire is asking readers to look candidly at evil.

Why was the novel an appropriate medium for conveying the theme of sympathy?

The novel was longer, which allowed for more emotional complexity. Correct. The answer is a. The novel's length allowed for the development of complex characters and plots, evoking sympathy from readers as they became more and more invested.

chiaroscuro*

contrast of light and dark to achieve the illusion of depth

How did the rise of capitalism affect cultural exchange in the Enlightenment?

The rise of capitalism helped to increase the exchange of information, allowing intellectuals to form new opinions rather than relying on the bias of tradition. Feedback: The correct answer is b. See 4.15. Cultural exchange and diversity were important in achieving individualized thought and challenging tradition. The rise of capitalism facilitated the increasing exchange of information, and this access to varied information led to a stronger sense of self-awareness. With a wide and varied cultural knowledge base, intellectuals of the period were able to turn to the power of their minds to form opinions rather than the biased influence of tradition.

Order

The worldview that dominated Enlightenment thinking was the belief in a comprehensible world under the direction of an orderly Christian God using natural laws to exert divine will. This natural order was accessible to humankind through observation, study, and logical thinking. One group of Enlightenment thinkers known in France as the Encyclopédistes proposed that there was a moral architecture to knowledge from which sprang belief in the "enlightened" ordering of society.

Why did many Enlightenment thinkers reject slavery?

They embraced the dignity of individual human reason and thought, regardless of racial background. Feedback: Correct answer is a. See 4.15. Enlightenment thinkers saw each human being as possessing a universal capacity for reason and independent thought. Therefore, each person possessed human dignity, meaning that slavery could only unjustly prevent someone from exercising their right to freedom of mind and body.

What position would an Enlightenment philosopher take on the following quote by Saint Augustine? "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."

They would probably disagree. Correct. The answer is b. Enlightenment thinkers believed in using reason and logic to deduce truths about the world. Trusting without evidence, as the quote suggests a person do, conflicts with those Enlightenment principles.

What was the goal of the Encyclopédie?

To collect human knowledge in one place Correct. The answer is c. The Encyclopédie was a project started by French writers and thinkers to collect human knowledge in one place.

Which of the following are characteristic uses of political satire? (Choose 1)

To criticize and entertain Feedback: The correct answer is b. See 4.10. Satire both criticizes a practice or person and entertains the audience.

Enlightenment thinkers were willing to challenge authority in all arenas of life. True or False?

True Correct. Challenges to received wisdom resulted in rapid scientific advancement, and skepticism of organized religion allowed for the development of new moral systems. Political reform and revolutions followed the questioning of the monarch's previously established "divine right" to rule.

Neoclassical Period art depicted scenes of civic virtue. True or False?

True Correct. Neoclassical Period artists celebrated civic virtue and morality.

Deists do not believe in divine intervention and therefore do not pray. True or False?

True Correct. The deist God is a grand designer and creator, but he or she is not a close personal friend or consoler. Therefore, deists believe that prayer, ritual, and ceremony are not logical and have no value.

deism

a religious philosophy that grew out of the rationalism and empiricism of the Age of Enlightenment. It had famous proponents throughout Europe and the United States, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. In brief, deism describes God as an architect or cosmic clockmaker who created the world according to scientific laws and principles and does not directly interfere in the functioning of the natural world. Deists suggested that any understanding of God could come about solely by studying natural principles, and naturally, they were skeptical of miracles and other supernatural manifestations.

The Encyclopédie represented essential Enlightenment goals:

acquiring and disseminating new knowledge to an international reading public whose lives it aimed to improve.

Classical music is more focused on

balance, order, and structural clarity than the music from the Baroque Period. It features a more homophonic texture, which elevated shorter, more lyrical melodies over slower, more chordal harmonic progressions.

Empiricists

believed that all knowledge was derived through our senses and based on ideas and theories on testing, observation, and experience.

Rationalists

believed that human reason is the key to knowledge.

John Locke

believed that we decide morality by our senses; moral behavior is based on pleasure (good) and pain (evil). With his beliefs in moral behavior in mind, Locke proposed that morals, like mathematical problems, could be proved. However, he acknowledged that our senses carry some limitations. Published Two Treatises of Government, which paved the way for modern forms of democracy.

Jacques-Louis David

considered the preeminent Neoclassical painter. His paintings reflect the move away from the playful and ornate Rococo style toward a more austere and orderly style of art. In discussing the relationship between his art and his revolutionary political views, David once said: "I will never, for the future, paint the portrait of a tyrant until his head lies before me on the scaffold."

Rousseau

developed what came to be known as a "noble savage" theory—that a person is at his or her best in wholly natural environments uncorrupted by society. This theory led to debate over whether private property and social stratification were morally degenerate or absolutely necessary for a complex society. Believed that a person is at his or her best in wholly natural environments and is corrupted by the environments of society

Francis Bacon

development of the scientific method, empirical process of inductive reasoning

empiricists

emphasize learning and experience

Which of the following life stressors may have influenced the mood and tone of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor?

his wife's ailments Correct. Mozart's wife's ill health put a serious strain on him and, coupled with a decline in popularity and his father's death, may have contributed to the dischordant, frantic tone of the piece.

The Declaration, penned primarily by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, captures

in a succinct and powerful way the relationship between humanism, Enlightenment philosophy, and political governance. It established the idea of a new nation that was a product of the philosophies of the era, and it influenced more than just a collection of British colonies.

Given the values of the Enlightenment, which description below would you image best matches a "neoclassical" garden?

landscaping that is attractive but made to look natural Correct. The answer is d. Neoclassical aesthetics focused on realism.

Mozart's Le Nozze De Figaro is a(n) _________________.

opera Correct. Le Nozze de Figaro is an opera that Mozart composed in collaboration with the famous librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte.

For Locke and the empiricists, moral behavior is based on ___________.

pleasure and pain Correct. For Locke and the empiricists, moral behavior is based on pleasure (good) and pain (evil). We decide morality by our senses.

What type of painting was Angelica Kauffmann known for?

portraits Correct. Kauffmann because a famous and popular portrait painter

Three prominent philosophical movements during the Enlightenment were

rationalism*, empiricism* , and skepticism*.

Galileo

revolutionary theory of the structure of the solar system

If the musical notation staccato instructs the bassoons and flutes in The Clock Symphony to set a tone similar to the "tick-tock" of Big Ben, we can infer that staccato means...

short, detached notes Correct. The term staccato indicates that the notes should be short and separated, like the ticking of a clock.

Which did Rousseau believe was an example of a barbaric practice justified by an over-rationalizing society?

slavery Correct. Rousseau believed that the self is corrupted by more developed societies, which have lost the primal touch of prioritizing liberty; thus, they allow slavery.

The Age of Enlightenment is also known as

the Age of Reason.

The suspicion of authority and reliance on human reason made nature a newly important realm. Scientists came to believe that

they could best study God's work through the observation and analysis of nature.

Female actors performed in Neoclassical productions. True or False?

true Correct. The use of female actors in Neoclassical plays was a new convention in England, while women had acted in other European countries in previous periods.

John Singleton Copley

was a prominent American Neoclassical painter whose versatility and technical mastery earned him exceptional financial reward and recognition during his lifetime. A Boston native, Copley would eventually take up permanent residence in England where he crafted one of his great history paintings, Watson and the Shark.

Philosophes

were philosophical intellectuals, who believed in the power of "natural law"—a concept that affirms that all of life is governed by orderly, rational processes. They opposed both religious and political authority, both priests and kings, because they believed that each individual needed to be equally free to use reason to determine his or her own destiny. philosophes embraced deism largely because it was a concept that appealed to the rational mind. Deism rejected the details of Christianity and believed in a deity who ordained the order* in the universe and let that order operate, rather than a deity who intervened in daily life on behalf of those the deity favored.

William Hunter and Jan van Rymsdyk

whose drawings contributed to the study of the female reproduction process "Child in Womb" (1774)

According to Wollstonecraft, Rousseau's idea that girls naturally prefer dressing, dolls, and talking is...

wrong; girls are taught to enjoy these activities. Correct. Wollstonecraft argued that girls learn these behaviors from watching their female relatives in their restricted lives.