Which three topics became a major focus of the Enlightenment?
A) astronomy, mathematics, physics
B) classicism, humanism, individualism
C) rights and responsibilities, politics, reason
D) spirituality, religion, chivalry
Answer:
The Enlightenment, an intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasized reason, individual rights, and political philosophy, challenging traditional authority and shaping modern governance. The correct answer is:
C) Rights and responsibilities, politics, reason.
Core Enlightenment Themes
Reason
Enlightenment thinkers championed rational thought over superstition and religious dogma, believing that logical reasoning could improve society.Example: René Descartes’ Cogito, ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”) laid the foundation for rational philosophy.
Example: Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason argued that human understanding should be based on logic and evidence.
Politics
The movement introduced ideas about democracy, individual liberty, and representative government, influencing modern political structures.Example: John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government proposed the idea of natural rights (life, liberty, property).
Example: Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws introduced separation of powers, influencing the U.S. Constitution.
Rights and Responsibilities
Thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau advocated for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and equality, leading to major political revolutions.Example: The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) were direct products of Enlightenment thought.
Why Other Options Are Less Relevant
A) Astronomy, mathematics, physics: While the Enlightenment supported scientific progress, its focus was on philosophy and human rights, not just scientific discovery.
B) Classicism, humanism, individualism: Humanism and classicism were more prominent during the Renaissance, while the Enlightenment emphasized political and philosophical individualism.
D) Spirituality, religion, chivalry: The Enlightenment critiqued religious orthodoxy rather than promoting spirituality. Thinkers like David Hume and Voltaire openly questioned religious authority.
Authoritative References
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: “The Enlightenment emphasized reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy.”
Britannica: “Philosophers such as Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance.”
Harvard University Press: “The Enlightenment sparked major political and intellectual transformations in the West.”
Thus, the Enlightenment’s major focus areas—rights, politics, and reason—shaped the modern world and continue to influence democratic societies today.
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