Part 2 - Understanding the Enlightenment Reading and Questions

Name: Yadira Garza Date: 2022 Understanding the Enlightenment Reading & Questions 1.The word Enlightenment refers to a change in outlook among many educated Europeans that began during the 1600s. The new outlook put great trust in reason. Political thinkers said to forget the teachings of the past. Focus on reason! 2. The Enlightenment thinkers asked questions such as: what kind of laws do we need, what rights should people have, and what is the best form of government? These political philosophers did not always agree about the answers to these questions. For example, some of them defended the right of kings to rule. Others argued that people should have more say in their own government – perhaps a republic or democracy. 3. Christian ideas also affected Enlightenment thinking. Most of the thinkers continued to believe in God. They saw human progress as a sign of God’s goodness. Often their approach to moral problems reflected Christian values, such as respect for others and for a moral law. 4. Toward the end of the 18th century, these ideas played a major role in revolutions in both America and France. The Enlightenment helped to shape modern views of human nature, society, and government. Without the ideas of the Enlightenment, it is quite possible that most countries would still possess monarchies and individuals would not have basic rights. 1. __A___ What did the Enlightenment thinkers want to rely on? (paragraph 1) A. Reason B. Religion C. Military 2. __C___ Which of the following was not a question asked by the Enlightenment thinkers? (paragraph 2) A. what kind of laws do we need? B. what is the best form of government? C. what type of revolution should we have? 3. ___A__ What is the relation between Christianity and the Enlightenment thinkers? (paragraph 3) A. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed in God B. Most Enlightenment thinkers did not believe in God C. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed people should not have a religion 4. __A___ Which of the following is not an overall effect of the Enlightenment? (paragraph 4) A. Increase in trade and wealth B. modern view of government and society C. American and French Revolutions 5. __B___ What type of government do you think would most Enlightenment thinkers want? A. Dictatorship B. Republic or Democracy C. King or Queen