World History - Lesson 2 - The Ideas of the Enlightenment

As you read, use your graphic organizer to list some of the main ideas introduced during the Enlightenment.

- belief in rationalism - laissez-faire economics - the spread of political power - a greater focus on reading - participation in various fields of culture and politics

How did Enlightenment ideas influence society and culture?

By the belief that emotions were important to human development. It also brought ideas like the end of slavery and women's rights which were easily spread by the printing press.

Write a paragraph giving your personal opinion of the ideas of one of the intellectuals discussed in this lesson. Explain why you agree or disagree with that person's work. Be sure to give specific details of the chosen topic as part of your response.

I agree with the work of John Locke. His ideas suggested that people were born with a blank mind, which was then molded by the experiences that came through their senses from the surrounding world. This caused Enlightenment thinkers to believe that if environments were changed and people were exposed to the right influences, then they could create a new and better society. I could easily compare this to the idea of racism. Racism is not a trait, it is something you learn and develop from things you see in the outside world.

How did Enlightenment thinkers use the ideas of the Scientific Revolution?

Inspired them to think outside the box and use logic and reason for ideas, find different ways to learn, go against the government, made them second guess other institutions, gave the idea to prove human life with evidence, and people became better educated which led to new ideas.

Write a paragraph explaining what Montesquieu meant by the phrase "separation of powers" and where he saw this principle applied.

Montesquieu has the intent to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.

How did the belief in logic and reason promote the beginnings of social sciences?

Philosophers followed Isaac Newton as a model with belief of logic and reason. They believed that if Newton was able to use the scientific method of logic and reason in science, then they can apply it to philosophy, too.

What role did the philosophes play in the Enlightenment?

Philosophers pushed for changes in the government and the church. Many philosophers thought of plans to change the political system and laws within the church.