4MYP History Worksheet – Unit2 – The Enlightenment 2
Name:
Assessment Criterion: D) Critical Thinking ; Level____
Vocabulary:
radical-totally different; big changes
persecution - unfair treatment to a group of people
oppression - the control of a group of people by means of violence and
threats
This lesson examines a period of many revolutionary ideas, called the Enlightenment. It
was a time when people thought the “light” of science and reason should guide their
actions. Philosophers and other thinkers began to apply reason and rationality to people
and governments, as they were applied to science and the universe in the Scientific
Revolution.
“A Revolution in Ideas” summarizes the key new ideas that came out of the
Enlightenment period. Read it and prepare yourself to discuss the questions.
“Thoughts of the Day”. You can work individually, in pairs, or small groups. Read the
quotes and decide which new idea(s) (see “A Revolution in Ideas”) of the time is
referred to in each quote and justify their answers.
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Read “A Revolution in Ideas” and answer the questions.
A REVOLUTION IN IDEAS
Rationality:
The philosophers during the Enlightenment applied the same principles of reason and rational thought
to society that Scientific Revolution figures did to science. They believed that by observing society, they
could learn what was wrong with it and make it better. The confidence inspired by the achievements of
the Scientific Revolution made Enlightenment philosophers sure that they could figure out societal
problems, also.
Progress:
During the Enlightenment people felt they had broken free from the ideas of the past. A new confidence
in the ability of humans came about and grew with each new discovery. The successes led to the idea
that people could make the world better. Throughout the period, philosophers argued that humans
could live happily and more comfortably than ever before as a result of their achievements and
advancement.
Humanitarianism:
The point of humanitarianism was to lessen human suffering. During 18 th century, many people lived
horribly difficult lives under strict governments which allowed them no say. Enlightenment thinkers
criticized issues, such as slavery, war, and religious persecution. They urged for changes that would end
these practices and end cruelty and oppression.
Freedom of Thought:
As Enlightenment thinkers believed strongly in rationality and reason, they strongly criticized what they
saw as ignorance and superstition. They encouraged people to question what could not be proven or
what they believed to be wrong or unjust. A frequent target of their criticism was the Church which they
claimed restricted free thought and questioning of ideas.
Which of these ideas do you think would have caused the biggest
controversy of the time? Why?
Which of these ideas do you think was most important at the time? Why?
DIRECTIONS: Explain COMPREHENSIVELY which new idea (see “Revolution of Ideas”) is reflected in the
quotes by famous Enlightenment philosophers below. (There may be more than one idea illustrated.)
Be sure you justify your answers!
1) “The motto of the Enlightenment is ´Dare to Know!´ Have the courage to use your own intelligence. Immanuel Kant
2) “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain but to preserve and enlarge freedom. Form all the states
of created beings capable of law, where there ,s no law, there is no freedom.”- John Locke
3) “I shall not cease to preach tolerance from the rooftops as long as persecution does not cease.“ –
Voltaire
4) “Science is the knowledge of consequences, and dependence of one fact upon another.” — Thomas
Hobbes
©InspirEd Educators, Inc.
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from “I Think: World History - Age of Revolutions” 1-866-WE-INSPIRE or 934-6774
DIRECTIONS Explain which new idea (see “Revolution of Ideas”) is reflected in the quotes by famous
Enlightenment philosophers below. (There may be more than one idea illustrated.) Be sure you justify
your answers!
5) “We are born weak, we need strength; helpless, we need aid; foolish, we need reason. All that we
lack at birth, all that we need when we come to man’s estate, is the gift of education.” - Jean Jacques
Rousseau
6) “It is always the adventurers who do great things, not the sovereigns (rulers) of great empires.” Charles de Montesquieu
7) “In order to shake a hypothesis, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more than push it as
far as it will go.” - Denis Diderot