Question

To what extent were the ideas of the Enlightenment philosophes "revolutionary"? (it needs to be 3+ sentences please)

Answer 1

Enlightenment ideas were revolutionary as they advocated reason and natural law over religion and monarchy, influencing the separation of powers in governments and inspiring political revolutions such as the French and American Revolutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ideas of the Enlightenment philosophes were indeed revolutionary as they fundamentally challenged the then-prevailing social and political orders. Philosophers like Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for a society predicated on reason and natural law rather than faith and monarchical doctrine. Montesquieu's idea of the separation of powers directly influenced modern governmental structure, including the United States Constitution. These intellectual currents helped erode the legitimacy of the Old Regime, setting the stage for political upheavals like the French Revolution.

By questioning divine right monarchies and proposing the rights of individuals were inherent and not a grant from royalty, Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke inspired waves of change. These notions became foundational for future democratic principles and uprisings, not only in France but also across the Atlantic in North America, where the ideas of liberty and the pursuit of happiness became synonymous with the American Revolution and influenced the formation of the United States.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Although there are no options attached, we can say the following.

To what extent were the ideas of the Enlightenment philosophes "revolutionary"?

To the extent that many of those ideas served as an inspiration to future revolutionary movements in America and in Europe, as was the case of the Revolutionary War of Independence of the American colonies to form the United States, and years later. the French Revolution.

This is completely true because during the Enlightenment, brilliant philosophers and thinkers like Voltaire, Jean-Jaques Rosseau, Baron de Montesquieu, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes, developed new concepts about different forms of government, social contract theories, citizen's rights, the division of powers, among others.

For instance, the founding fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by these philosophers.