The Enlightenment Vocab

Front

Reason

Back

The ability of the mind to think clearly and understand; logic

Front

Divine Right of Kings

Back

Kings and queens have a God-given right to rule; rebellion is a sin.

Front

Calculus

Back

A type of advanced mathematics focused on the study of change

Front

Philosophy

Back

The study of ideas about knowledge, life, and truth; literally: love of wisdom.

Front

Pessimist

Back

A person who sees the worst in a situation or believes the worst will happen.

Front

Social Contract

Back

An agreement among individuals in a society and a ruler; individuals give up some freedoms for protection.

Front

Absolute Monarchy

Back

A government where the king or queen has unchecked authority without restrictions.

Front

Authoritarian

Back

Requiring absolute obedience to a ruler or government; not allowing personal freedom.

Front

Natural Rights

Back

Rights that all humans are born with and cannot be taken away by the government.

Front

Treason

Back

Disloyalty to a country by helping an enemy