a 17th and 18th-century movement emphasising reason, science and individual rights

a movement that emphasised the value of human potential, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman ideas

the activities and decisions involved in governing a society or state

a period of cultural, artistic, scientific and intellectual rebirth in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century

Renaissance and Enlightenment: religion and thought

Religious education

The philosophy and beliefs of Thomas Hobbes

The state of nature and social contracts

The philosophy and beliefs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau

Interaction between religious, philosophical and political belief

In this unit there is a choice. Through a social science lens, pupils consider how psychologists analyse the phenomenon of religion. Or they may study the flowering of philosophy at the time of the Enlightenment through a depth study of Hobbes and Rousseau and their ideas of religion and society.

Psychology of religion or Religion and political philosophy

an argument that attempts to prove God's existence as the first cause of the universe.

a book by Thomas Hobbes that argues for a strong authority to maintain order in society

the belief that everything, including thoughts and emotions, arises from physical matter

an English philosopher (1588–1679) known for his political philosophy

the power to give orders, make decisions and enforce obedience

a concept that imagines life without society or government, with different philosophers seeing it as either peaceful or chaotic

a philosophical tool to test ideas in hypothetical contexts, not real-world scenarios

a society with organised communities, rules, and developed ways of living

Rousseau's idea of a set of shared beliefs that unite people, without specific religious practices

a Swiss philosopher (1712–1778) known for his political philosophy

a teaching style attributed to Socrates which involves asking questions

according to Rousseau, individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will

the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society as a whole, and not individual desires

Rousseau's 1762 book and idea that individuals must give up some freedoms to form a just society, with laws reflecting the common good

the belief in a creator God who does not intervene in the universe after creating it

the philosophical theory that knowledge comes from sensory experience and observation

a belief based on fear or misunderstanding of the unknown, which goes beyond what is logical

Help using Oak

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Primary

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Secondary

Who we are

Meet the team

Oak's curricula

Get involved

Contact us

Psychology of religion or Religion and political philosophy

Religion and politics in the Enlightenment: How were they aligned?

Choose a lesson (6)

Choose exam board for KS4 Biology

Choose exam board for KS4 Chemistry

Choose exam board for KS4 Combined science

Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)

Choose exam board for KS4 English

Choose exam board for KS4 French

Choose exam board for KS4 Geography

Choose exam board for KS4 German

Choose exam board for KS4 History

Choose tier for KS4 Maths

Choose exam board for KS4 Music

Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)

Choose exam board for KS4 Physics

Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)

Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Psychology of religion or Religion and political philosophy

Religion and politics in the Enlightenment: How were they aligned?

Choose a lesson (6)