A highly skeptical and secular form of the Enlightenment that championed egalitarianism, democracy, and freedom of thought and expression.
The Age of Enlightenment: A historical period spanning from the late 17th century to the late 18th century, characterized by secularism, skepticism, individualism, reason, and rationality.
The Radical Enlightenment: A strand of enlightenment thought that emerged in the late 17th century and advocated for popular sovereignty, religious tolerance, and individual freedom. It challenged the traditional social and political hierarchy and ultimately influenced the French Revolution.
The Enlightenment Philosophers: A group of influential thinkers who advocated for rationality, scientific inquiry, and individual rights. Prominent philosophers of the era include Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Locke.
Rationalism: A philosophical belief that knowledge can be attained through reason and can be tested through logic and empirical observation.
Empiricism: A philosophical belief that knowledge can be attained through sensory experience and experimentation.
Liberalism: A political philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, representative government, and free markets.
Republicanism: A political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of civic duty, public virtue, and political participation.
Scientific Revolution: A period of scientific discovery and innovation that began in the late 16th century and led to the rejection of traditional Aristotelian philosophy and the embrace of the Scientific Method.
Skepticism: A philosophical position that emphasizes the importance of questioning and doubting accepted beliefs and opinions.
Deism: A religious philosophy that emphasizes the belief in a creator god who does not actively intervene in the world.
Social Contract: A theoretical agreement among individuals to give up some personal freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by a government.
Constitutionalism: A principle of government that emphasizes the importance of limiting the power of the state and protecting individual rights through a written constitution.
Humanism: A philosophical belief that stresses the importance of human values and creativity rather than divine or supernatural concerns.
Enlightenment and the Arts: A movement in the arts during the Enlightenment period that emphasized reason, logic, and rationality.
Enlightenment and Education: An emphasis on education and the belief that knowledge and learning are key to individual progress and social improvement.
Philosophical Radicalism: This type of Radical Enlightenment emphasizes reason, rationalism, and individualism as the core principles of creating a just and free society. The leading thinkers for this movement were John Locke and Thomas Paine.
Scientific Rationalism: This type of Radical Enlightenment emphasizes the role of science and empirical observation in understanding the world and reforming society. The leading thinkers for this movement were Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton.
Socio-Political Radicalism: This type of Radical Enlightenment focuses on the need for equality and social justice in society. The leading thinkers for this movement were Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Baron Montesquieu.
Anti-Ecclesiastical Radicalism: This type of Radical Enlightenment advocates for the separation between church and state, secularism, and religious toleration. The leading thinkers for this movement were Voltaire and Denis Diderot.
Feminist Radicalism: This type of Radical Enlightenment stresses the equality of women and challenges the patriarchal structures of society. The leading thinkers for this movement were Mary Wollstonecraft and Émilie du Châtelet.