Which of the following was a change brought upon by the Enligtenment ?
The Enlightenment brought about several changes. Here are a few significant ones:
1. Emphasis on Reason and Science: The Enlightenment emphasized reason and rationality as the primary sources of knowledge. It promoted scientific discoveries, empiricism, and critical thinking as key tools for understanding the world.
2. Secularism and Religious Toleration: Enlightenment thinkers challenged religious dogma and questioned the authority of the Church. They promoted the separation of church and state, advocating for religious tolerance and freedom of thought.
3. Democracy and Social Contract: Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau explored the concept of a social contract between the people and the government. This led to the idea that governments should be based on consent and that individuals have certain natural rights that cannot be infringed upon.
4. Freedom of Speech and Press: The Enlightenment inspired the belief in freedom of speech and the press as essential rights in a democratic society. These principles contributed to the emergence of democratic institutions and the protection of individual liberties.
5. Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law: Enlightenment thinking influenced the development of constitutionalism, which meant that political power should be limited and governed by laws. This led to the rise of constitutional monarchies and the establishment of checks and balances in government.
6. Human Rights and Abolitionism: The Enlightenment promoted the idea of universal human rights, arguing that all people are entitled to certain fundamental rights, regardless of their background. This notion played a significant role in movements such as abolitionism, fighting for the end of slavery.
It's important to note that these changes were not uniformly adopted, and their impact varied across different countries and regions.