CH2 sec. 2.1.1 The Enlightenment

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 2

Memo hm 2 TTO

CH2 The age of wigs and revolutions

The French Revolution

2.1.1. The Enlightenment

Learning objectives

Learning objectives 2.1.1. 
1) I can name three features of Enlightened thinking. 

You know the terms and dates of this section.

The Enlightenment

(De Verlichting)

Period (1650-1800) in which religion and tradition give way to logical and rational reasoning. Enlightened citizens were critical about the Church, government and society and wanted to improve them.

Confidence in science

• The scientific revolution of the seventeenth century had led to new inventions and discoveries. 
• Logical (rational) thinking and experimentation led to new knowledge.
• People gained more confidence in the human mind ('ratio'). 
• Would lead to more and more knowledge and logical explanations.
• More knowledge would 'enlighten' mankind. 
• Enlightened thinkers (philosophers) believed they could use their reason to create a better world.

Confidence in science

• The Enlightenment led to new ideas about God.
• Enlightened thinkers believed that God had created the earth and man, but that he no longer interfered with his creation.
  
• The world worked according to natural laws (for example Newton's law of universal gravitation).
  
• There were logical explanations for disasters (wasn't God's punishment).
  
• By using logical thinking instead of accepting everything the Church or government said, people could overcome superstition (be 'enlightened').

Enlightened thinking

Main features:

• Question everything.  No longer obey the Church or the king without being critical.

• Rely on reason (= verstand). No longer do things because you're used to do so. Think about it.

• Education is important to improve society.
  

Learning objectives

Learning objectives 2.1.1. 
1) I can name three features of Enlightened thinking. 

You know the terms and dates of this section.

Get to work

What? See whiteboard.

How? Alone 

Help? Ask neighbour. Can't figure it out? Ask teacher. 

Time? Until the end of the lesson. 

Done? Learn terms and dates. Ask teacher.