Key learning points

1. The 16th century Scientific Revolution caused people to question the authority of the establishment.
2. Immanuel Kant tried explaining the concept of 'enlightenment' in 1784 which gave a name to the movement.
3. Kant argued people should use reason and logic to reach conclusions about right and wrong, not follow rules blindly.
4. The Enlightenment challenged the established authority of monarchy and the Church.
5. The Enlightenment's calls for equality often did not extend beyond white Europeans.

Keywords

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

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

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

• Atheism - atheism is the belief that God or gods do not exist

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

Common misconception