Question

What are the 5 main features of Enlightenment thought?

A) Skepticism, Individualism, Reason, Equality, Secularism
B) Tradition, Hierarchy, Obedience, Faith, Collectivism
C) Authoritarianism, Dogmatism, Supernaturalism, Censorship, Tradition
D) Absolutism, Mysticism, Faith, Hierarchy, Collectivism

Answer 1

The correct option is A). The Enlightenment was an 18th century intellectual movement characterized by five main features: skepticism, individualism, reason, equality, and secularism. These elements facilitated societal progress in areas such as democracy, intellectual freedom, and science.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Main Features of Enlightenment Thought

The Enlightenment, a transformative intellectual movement in the 18th century, championed five main features:

1. Skepticism: Encouraging critical questioning of traditional institutions, authority, and beliefs.
2. Individualism: Promoting the freedom and value of the individual over collective groups or social classes.
3. Reason: Establishing reason as the cornerstone of knowledge and decision-making, opposing irrationality and superstition.
4. Equality: Advocating for equal rights and justice in social, legal, and political realms.
5. Secularism: Separating religious institutions from governmental entities and promoting secular governance.

These key characteristics were critical in challenging the existing order and triggered numerous advancements in politics, philosophy, and science. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democracy, intellectual freedom, and a more scientifically and technologically oriented society.