AP European History Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Voltaire and other Enlightenment philosophes were heavily influenced by the principles of the Scientific Revolution, which emphasized rationalism and empirical observation. This period marked a significant shift in thought; thinkers began to prioritize reason and scientific inquiry over traditional religious beliefs and superstitions. The Enlightenment philosophers believed that human beings could use reason to understand and improve the world around them.

Rationalism, the idea that reason is the primary source of knowledge, was central to Voltaire’s advocacy for change. He used rational argumentation to critique established institutions, particularly the Church and the autocratic monarchy. Empirical observation, a key element of the Scientific Revolution, encouraged philosophers to gather evidence and draw conclusions based on experience, contrasting sharply with the reliance on religious doctrine.

By applying these principles, Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire sought social, political, and educational reforms, pushing for tolerance, trial by jury, freedom of speech, and the civil liberties that are fundamental to modern democratic societies. This reliance on reason and observation laid the groundwork for future scientific and philosophical advancements, marking a pivotal evolution in Western thought.