How did Enlightenment thinking affect the development of economic systems in Western Europe?
Enlightenment ideas promoted individual rights and free-market principles that influenced economic policies.
Enlightenment ideas promoted individual rights and free-market principles that influenced economic policies.
Enlightenment thinking had no impact on economic systems, which remained feudal in nature.
Enlightenment thinking had no impact on economic systems, which remained feudal in nature.
Enlightenment thinking led to the complete abandonment of capitalism in favor of communal living.
Enlightenment thinking led to the complete abandonment of capitalism in favor of communal living.
The economic systems regressed to more primitive forms due to Enlightenment thinking.
None of the above options accurately reflect the impact of Enlightenment thinking on economic systems in Western Europe. The correct answer is:
Enlightenment ideas promoted individual rights and free-market principles that influenced economic policies.
During the Enlightenment, philosophers such as Adam Smith promoted the idea of laissez-faire economics, which advocated for limited government intervention in markets and the protection of individual property rights. This led to the development of capitalist economic systems in Western Europe, as governments began to adopt policies that allowed for greater economic freedom. The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, logic, and scientific inquiry also contributed to advancements in economic thought and led to the development of economic theories and principles that continue to influence modern economic systems.