Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What characteristic is most associated with the Enlightenment?

1. Reliance on tradition

2. Faith in reason and human progress

3. Admiration for absolute monarchies

4. Focus on emotional intuition

The correct answer is: Faith in reason and human progress

The Enlightenment is fundamentally characterized by a strong emphasis on reason and the belief in human progress. This intellectual movement emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, challenging traditional doctrines and encouraging individuals to question established norms, including those related to governance, religion, and science. Thinkers of the Enlightenment advocated for the application of rational analysis to human affairs, promoting the idea that through reason and education, society could improve. This faith in reason led to advancements in various fields and laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and human rights. In contrast, reliance on tradition, admiration for absolute monarchies, and a focus on emotional intuition are antithetical to Enlightenment ideals. The movement sought to move away from traditions that could no longer be justified through reason and often critiqued the authority of monarchies when they contradicted the principles of reasoned governance. While emotional intuition may play a role in human experience, the Enlightenment primarily celebrated rational thought as the key driver of progress and innovation.