Roots of the
Enlightenment
7th Grade World History
What was the
Enlightenment?
• Just like scientists began to question old
ideas and beliefs using rational thought, so
did philosophers during the Enlightenment.
• Philosophers began using reason to
understand human nature (why we are how
we are and do what we do).
• Because they were looking to shed light on
new knowledge and ideas, this period is
called the Enlightenment.
Tracing the roots to
Classical Learning
• Just like artists turned to the classics
during the Renaissance and scientists
turned to the classics during the
Scientific Revolution, so did philosophers
during the Enlightenment.
• Greeks and Romans gained knowledge
through observation, logic, and
reasoning (rational thought). They also
emphasized the importance of the
individual.
Tracing the roots to
Christianity
• As Christianity spread through the
Middle Ages, faith became more
important than reason.
• During this time, Christianity
emphasized the idea that all people
are equal in God’s eyes.
• Equality became a key feature of
Enlightenment thought.
Tracing the roots to the
Renaissance
• During the Renaissance, there was a rebirth
of classical learning and humanism
developed.
• Humanism emphasized the importance of the
individual and human abilities, such as the
ability to use reason and rational thought.
Tracing the roots to the
Reformation
• During the Reformation,
the power of the individual
hit a peak and people like
Martin Luther challenged
the church to reform.
• Martin Luther’s actions
proved to people that
critical thought could
change society.
Tracing the roots to the Scientific
Revolution
• The Scientific Revolution set the stage for the
Enlightenment because it was during this time
that people used rational thought to make
advancements to better society.
• Not only did they make these advancements,
they did so by learning to question what is
accepted and challenge old beliefs.
• As a result, Enlightenment thinkers began to
question old forms of government and use
reason to develop better, democratic ideas.