The Enlightenment
What was the Enlightenment?
Inductive: Moved from specific observations to broader generalizations
Deductive: moved from broader generalizations to specific observations
Immanuel Kant
The rise of this social group, with increased disposable income, helped fuel a consumer revolution of goods like porcelain, silk, and coffee. HINT: Boujee
Bourgeoisie
What was Alchemy?
an ancient, mystical, and protoscientific practice aimed at transmuting base metals (like lead) into gold, discovering the philosopher's stone, and creating the elixir of life for immortality
What did the Enlightenment challenge and how did these ideas spread?
Challenged old political systems and institutions (Ancien Regime). Ideas Spread through the PRINTING PRESS, SALONS, COFFEEHOUSES, and Tea Houses.
what was the scientific revolution
marked the birth of modern science, replacing ancient Greek philosophies and religious dogma with empirical observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning
16th century astronomer was the first to propose the modern heliocentric model
Nicolaus Copernicus
These elegant gatherings, often hosted by elite women, became key spaces for spreading Enlightenment ideas through conversation and debate.
Salons
Used especially in regions like the Holy Roman Empire, this legal method forced confessions and often led accused witches to name others
Name three religions that stemmed from this period of Enlightenment?
Deism: belief in a supreme creator who established the universes natural laws - does not intervene in human affairs
Skepticism: question everything- especially religion (authority etc)
atheism: lack of belief/strong disbelief in the existence of any God
what were some sciences that had major improvements during the scientific revolution?
Medicine, Anatomy, and Physiology, mathematics, and astronomy
Often called the "father of empiricism," he argued that knowledge should be built from specific observations (Inductive Reasoning)
Francis Bacon
This artistic style, originating in Paris, emphasized lightness, pastel colors, asymmetry, and scenes of leisure rather than serious historical subjects.
Rococo
Rather than beginning with demons, most witch trials actually started with this social process, where neighbors accused one another after unexplained misfortune
What was an enlightened ruler?
They must allow religious toleration, freedom of speech and press, and the right to hold private property. They must foster the arts, sciences, and education. They implemented reforms that outwardly showed support for the peasantry and religious minorities.
What was the traditional theory of four humors?
The idea that the body was composed of yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm. All disease was caused by an imbalance in the humors
This astronomer mathematically demonstrated that planetary orbits are elliptical, refining heliocentric theory beyond its original proposal
Johannes Kepler
This institution emerged to care for abandoned children as birth rates of “illegitimate” children increased in the 18th century.
This group of women, often targeted as witches, gained authority through knowledge of childbirth and herbal medicine, which threatened male-dominated institutions
Midwives (healers/herbalists)
What were two patterns of thoughts that were popular during this period?
Rationalism: reason, deduction, & institution are the primary source of knowledge - people can produce their own conclusions
Empiricism: People base their understanding on their experiences
what were some key technological discoveries made during this time?
telescope, microscope, barometer, and pendulum clock. Extras: calculus , planetary motion, blood circulation
The contradiction between Enlightenment ideals and autocratic rule is exemplified by this ruler who also established the academy of sciences, and attempted reforms in law and education in Russian Society
Catherine the Great
Focused on grandeur and emotional intensity, this artistic movement often glorified the Church and monarchy through dramatic visuals and music
Baroque
What is the Traditional Theory of Four Humors
Idea that the body is composed of yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm. All disease was caused by an imbalance in the humors