Europe’s “Enlightenment”
(World History textbook: pp. 612-615)
During the early 1600s and into the mid-1700s, European society endured great changes. European citizens grew frustrated
with governments that failed to work for them but, instead, took advantage of them. Gradually, more people began to
question the sources of authority in European society, particularly religious and political leaders. Some citizens fashioned
themselves as modern philosophers (or “philosophes”); they felt that the problems of society could be improved using logic
and reason. Their ideas spread quickly throughout Europe…
The Enlightenment Period (1600-early 1800s) earned its name from the root word “light”. Enlightenment thinkers tried to
shed “light” on how the natural world (i.e. nature), societies, governments, and other institutions worked---and how they
could be made better.
Instructions
1. In the center box, list the core ideas of the Enlightenment Period.
2. Describe how the four areas (surrounding the center box) influenced the Enlightenment Period.
Greek/Roman Influences
Christian Beliefs
Europe’s Enlightenment
Renaissance/Reformation
Scientific Revolution
Europe During the ‘Age of Reason’
Use the text copy you were provided to provide accurate responses to the following topics/questions.
1. What three (3) goals did Enlightenment scholars believe human reason could help achieve?
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2. How did Aristotle explain that people could use logic?
3. Explain what is meant by this statement: The Enlightenment was a mostly secular movement.
4. Who was “Voltaire”? Explain his views on censorship.
5. In what ways were women involved in the Enlightenment?
Skill Practice: Interpreting Information (on separate paper or in binder notes)
In your text readings, you have learned about French philosophers such a “Voltaire” and Diderot. Think about
what you might ask any of these philosophers if you were to conduct an interview with them (at that time).
 Design 3 questions you’d direct to one of the philosophers we’ve studied. How would you “probe their
views”? Provide responses that he/she would give (based on what you’ve read/know of them).
 Reveal HOW each philosopher thinks about his/her world at the time of the Enlightenment.