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 believed 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 philosophers

• 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 the rich equally.

• During the Enlightenment, Europe became less powerful than America.

• During the Enlightenment, people increasingly looked to science and reason 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 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 is Rene Descartes known as the "father of modern philosophy"?

• He wrote a new constitution for his his country.

• He plotted to overthrow the monarch.

• He used reason to ask questions and find truths.

• He discovered medicines that improved health.

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 the choice, people will help one another.

• People in a society are naturally peaceful.

• Given the choice, people will help only family members.