Age of Enlightenment Vocabulary

3. the system of the universe in which the Earth and planets revolve around the sun
6. doctrine that scientists should proceed from the particular to the general by making systematic observations and carefully organized experiments to test hypotheses or theories, a process that will lead to correct general principles
8. 18th century religious philosophy based on reason and natural law
9. system in which rulers tried to govern by Enlightenment principles while maintaining their full royal powers
10. concept that an entire society agrees to be governed by its general will and all individuals should be forced to abide by it since it represents what is best for the entire community
11. form of government in which the power is divided; the executive, legislative and judicial branches limit and control each other through a system of checks and balances

1. concept that the state should not impose government regulations but should leave the economy alone.
2. systematic procedure for collecting and analyzing evidence that was crucial to the evolution of science in the modern world
4. system in which the government does not interfere in economic matters.
5. system of thought expounded by Rene Descartes based on the belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge
7. person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment; a scholar or a thinker