The Enlightenment

Graphic of U.S. Declaration of Independence

U.S. Declaration of Independence.

As a result of the increased emphasis of reason and observation on scientific thought during the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment philosophers began to use those same techniques and apply them to society. In this topic, you will examine some the major Enlightenment thinkers and see how their focus on rational thought impacted the world around them.

Essential Questions

  • Who were some Enlightenment thinkers, and what were their ideas?
  • How did philosophers of the Enlightenment influence thinking on political issues?
  • How did the Enlightenment promote revolution in the American colonies?