The Enlightenment

Which statement best describes the beliefs of the Enlightenment thinkers?

• They had faith that absolute monarchs would govern wisely and fairly.
• They believed that science and reason could improve people's lives.
• They believed religion alone could answer all questions about life.
• They belieed that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew all there was to know.

Which groups played the greatest role in the Enlightenment?

• peasants and farmers
• soldiers and military leaders
• scientists and scholars
• explorers and adventurers

How did the Enlightenment differ from the Renaissance?

• During the Enlightenment, kings and queens no longer held power.
• During the Enlightenment, governments always treated the poor and rich equally.
• During the Enlightenment, Europe became less powerful than America.
• During the Enlightenment, people increasingly looked to science to answer their questions about the natural world.

In which part of the world did the Enlightenment begin?

• Europe
• Asia
• the United States
• South America

Which of the following best describes Isaac Newton?

• influential scientist
• father of democracy
• friend of the poor peasants
• leader of religious thought

Newton's theory of gravity draws what conclusion?

• People descended from apes.
• A natural force pulls objects toward Earth.
• The monarch does not rule by divine right.
• Eating at least one apple each day promotes good health.

Why was Rene Descartes known as the "father of modern philosophy"?

• He wrote a new constitution for his country.
• He plotted to overthrow the monarch.
• He used reason to ask questions and find truths.
• He discovered medicines that improved health and increased life expectancy.

Descartes encouraged people to doubt everything except

• the word of the church.
• a monarch's right to rule.
• their own existence.
• the law.

Which of the following ideas is associated with Thomas Hobbes?

• I think, therefore I am.
• tabula rasa
• life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
• the need for a strong government

Which statement best describes Thomas Hobbes's conclusions about human nature?

• People are naturally selfish and greedy.
• Given a choice, people will help one another.
• People in society are naturally peaceful.
• Given a choice, people will help only family members.