Enlightenment: movement of thinkers striving to end the world of dark ideas such as ignorance,
irrationality, intolerance and inequality.
Rational optimism: the belief that a rational way of thinking and ideas could bring about
progress, making life better for mankind
Basic human rights: a right that every person has and which has to be respected, even by kings.
Atheist: someone who does not believe in the existence of any God.
Deist: Someone who believes in a God that created the universe according to natural laws, but does not interfere with humans.
Trias Politica: the idea that the power of the state should be divided into three different parts
Free market economy: economic system with little or no government interference allowing competition between sellers, while the amount of buyers dictates the size of the market.
Salon: meetings where members of the upper class would meet and have scientists and philosophers speak about their work and ideas
Encyclopedie (encyclopedia): a collection of knowledge on as many subjects as possible