Enlightenment Thinkers and Ideas

The video explores the Enlightenment, a period following the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution, where reason was used to question societal norms and government. Key thinkers like Hobbs, Lock, Rousseau, and others contributed ideas about natural rights, social contracts, and government roles. The Enlightenment influenced monarchs to adopt reforms, leading to enlightened despotism. The video emphasizes note-taking and understanding the impact of these ideas on society.

What period did the Enlightenment follow, and what did it encourage people to do?

• The Middle Ages; to accept traditional beliefs

• The Industrial Revolution; to focus on economic growth

• The Renaissance; to question society and politics

• The Dark Ages; to return to religious roots

What is a key idea of the Enlightenment regarding human capability?

• Humans are incapable of reason

• Only scientists can use reason effectively

• Reason is irrelevant to social issues

• Reason is unique to humans and can solve problems

What was the role of salons during the Enlightenment?

• To organize military strategies

• To bring together thinkers to discuss ideas

• To host political debates

• To serve as religious gatherings

According to John Locke, what is the purpose of government?

• To impose strict control over citizens

• To protect natural rights like life, liberty, and property

• To maintain economic stability

• To expand territorial boundaries

What did Baron de Montesquieu advocate for in government structure?

• A direct democracy

• A separation of powers with checks and balances

• A single ruler with absolute power

• A theocratic government

Which Enlightenment thinker believed society corrupted individuals?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Voltaire

What did Mary Wollstonecraft advocate for during the Enlightenment?

• The abolition of slavery

• The establishment of a monarchy

• Equal rights for women, especially in education

• The expansion of colonial empires

What economic system did Adam Smith promote in his book 'Wealth of Nations'?

• A free market economy

• A barter system

• A command economy

• A mixed economy

What reforms did Frederick II of Prussia implement as an enlightened despot?

• He abolished all forms of education

• He enacted religious tolerance and abolished torture

• He restricted freedom of speech

• He increased taxes on the poor

What was Catherine II of Russia's contribution to Enlightenment-inspired governance?

• She increased military spending

• She drafted a constitution limiting monarch power

• She expanded the Russian Empire

• She abolished serfdom