Enlightenment Literature: A Glossary of Key Terms

A philosophical stance emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge and justification. Enlightenment thinkers like Descartes and Locke championed reason as the path to truth and societal progress.

Contrast with Empiricism.

The belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. Thinkers such as John Locke and David Hume argued that the mind is a 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) at birth, and all ideas are derived from experience.

Contrast with Rationalism.

A religious philosophy that posits the existence of a creator God who does not intervene in the universe. Deists believe God created the universe and its natural laws, and then left it to operate on its own, much like a clockmaker. Reason is central to understanding God and morality.

Popular among figures like Voltaire and Thomas Paine.

The belief, famously articulated by John Locke, that individuals are born with inherent rights such as life, liberty, and property, which are not granted by governments but are inherent to human existence. These rights are seen as universal and inalienable.

Influenced the American Declaration of Independence.

The idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau explored different versions of the social contract, proposing that individuals surrender certain freedoms in exchange for protection and societal order.

See also: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau.

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. Enlightenment satire often aimed to reform society by highlighting its follies.

Prominent in the works of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope.

A novel written as a series of documents, typically letters. This form allows for intimacy, a subjective perspective, and the exploration of multiple viewpoints. It was a popular genre during the Enlightenment.

Examples include Samuel Richardson's Pamela and Montesquieu's Persian Letters.

A short piece of writing on a particular subject, often presenting the author's personal viewpoint or argument. The essay form flourished during the Enlightenment as a vehicle for disseminating new ideas and engaging in public discourse.

Michel de Montaigne is considered a pioneer of the essay form.

A concise, witty, and memorable statement expressing a general truth or principle. Enlightenment writers often employed aphorisms to deliver their philosophical insights succinctly.

Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack is full of aphorisms.

Literature that aims to instruct or impart moral lessons. Many Enlightenment works were didactic, seeking to educate readers on reason, morality, and proper conduct.

Fables and moral tales often serve this purpose.

An intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority. It spanned roughly from the late 17th to the late 18th century and profoundly impacted philosophy, science, politics, and literature.

Also known as the Age of Reason.

A prolific French writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, his criticism of Christianity and slavery, and his advocacy of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state. His works often employ satire to critique societal injustices.

See also: Satire, Deism.

An influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism." His theories on natural rights and the social contract were foundational.

See also: Natural Rights, Social Contract Theory, Empiricism.