the groups in positions of authority, such as the Church or monarchy, are known collectively as the establishment

a philosopher is someone who studies deep questions about the universe and human existence

the Enlightenment was a movement in the 1600s and 1700s that promoted the use of reason and questioned authority

atheism is the belief that God or gods do not exist

the belief that someone has the right to rule and make laws is known as legitimacy

The background to the Enlightenment

History

In this unit, pupils learnt about the Enlightenment and its emphasis on reason, science and progress. This foundation will be crucial in ‘The Industrial Revolution: did industrialisation revolutionise people's lives?’, where pupils will examine how the intellectual shifts of the Enlightenment contributed to the dramatic changes brought about by industrialisation.

In ‘The Renaissance: what do the artefacts of the Renaissance tell us about it?’, pupils explored how Renaissance art and culture reflected new ways of thinking. Building on this, this unit introduces the Enlightenment, where pupils will examine how ideas of reason and progress further shaped European thought.

In this unit, pupils learn about the Enlightenment and its impact on America, France, and the Atlantic World. They develop knowledge of the Enlightenment's background and ideas and consider its links to the 'Age of Revolution'.

The Enlightenment: what was the Enlightenment?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

During which century did the Scientific Revolution begin?

'What is Enlightenment?' was written by Immanuel ...

These books attacked religion and argued God did not exist.

These books encouraged ordinary people to disobey the Church.

These books encouraged people to use reasoning to work out right from wrong.

Why did the Church ban many books written by Enlightenment philosophers?

Philosophers such as John {{ }} in England, Voltaire in France and David Hume in Scotland demanded the separation of Church and government.

Ultimately, the Enlightenment caused people to question the legitimacy of not just the Church, but also __________ who had power thanks to the support of the Church. 

Some Enlightenment thinkers believed all races were equal, but many did not.

All Enlightenment thinkers believed that all races were equal.

All Enlightenment thinkers believed that different races were unequal.

Which of these best describes the way early Enlightenment philosophers thought about race?

The period in which classical ideas were rediscovered and spread throughout Europe is known as the ...

The classical knowledge rediscovered during the Renaissance came from which ancient civilisations?

Scholars who wanted to use classical knowledge to realise human potential and make the world a better place were known as ...

Copernicus challenged the ideas of __________ during the Renaissance.

Which of these was a painter of the Northern Renaissance?

{{ }} is the study of the human body and how it functions.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The background to the Enlightenment

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.