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Which of the following statements concerning the political philosophy of the Enlightenment is most accurate?

A. Enlightenment philosophies were creatures of the monarchs who were their patrons and supported the powers of the kings.

B. Although the Enlightenment philosophers were generally opposed to the authority of the church, they argued that only monarchy could ensure stability for the masses.

C. Enlightenment thinkers challenged regimes that did not grant full religious freedom or that insisted on aristocratic privilege.

D. Enlightenment intellectuals were the firmest supporters of the church left in European culture.

Answer :

Final answer:

The most accurate statement about the political philosophy of the Enlightenment is that Enlightenment thinkers challenged regimes that did not allow full religious freedom or upheld aristocratic privilege. They advocated for reason, equality, and the consent of the governed, opposing monarchies that claimed divine right. Thus, option C is the correct answer.


Explanation:

Political Philosophy of the Enlightenment

The question revolves around understanding the political philosophy that emerged during the Enlightenment period, a time characterized by a profound transformation in European thought chiefly in the 18th century. Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged existing political and social norms, advocating for ideas that emphasized reason, individual rights, and the rule of law.

Option C is the most accurate statement concerning the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers challenged regimes that did not grant full religious freedom or insisted on aristocratic privilege. They believed that all individuals are equal and that authority derived from the consent of the governed, thus opposing the traditional divine right of kings and the privileges associated with nobility.

In contrast to other options:

  • Option A suggests that Enlightenment philosophers were merely supporters of the monarchs, which is misleading; many sought to limit their powers.
  • Option B implies a general support for monarchy despite opposition to the church, yet many advocated for various forms of government including republics.
  • Option D states that Enlightenment intellectuals were supporters of the church, which contradicts the emphasis on reason over religious authority.

Ultimately, the Enlightenment was marked by a critical approach toward both aristocracy and religious institutions, emphasizing human rights and the natural laws governing society.


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