1.

General

- When did the Enlightenment begin?

The Enlightenment emerged in the late 17th century and continued throughout the 18th
century.
- How did the people in the Enlightenment think of human, God, and society?
Thinkers of the Enlightenment believed that humans possess the ability to use reason and
experience to enhance themselves and society. They valued freedom and progress. God
was seen as the creator of the universe but was not thought to intervene in human affairs.
Society, according to Enlightenment ideals, should be based on reason, fairness, and
reforms.
- Write down some crucial keywords which describe the main characteristics of the
Enlightenment.
Reason, Science, Liberty, Equality, Human Rights, Social Reform, Progress, Tolerance,
Enlightenment Philosophy, Enlightenment Era, Critique of Tradition, Separation of Church
and State, Social Contract, Natural Rights, Encyclopedias, Enlightenment Salons.

2. René Descartes’ The Discourse on Method

- Summarize the main methods Descartes believes that he, and the people in general,
should do in solving problems.
Descartes outlined several key methods for problem-solving:
-Never accept anything as true unless it is proven.
-Break down complex problems into simpler parts.
-Follow a logical and systematic approach, starting from the simplest issues before
addressing more difficult ones.
-Establish a well-structured chain of reasoning, ensuring no steps are overlooked.

- What does Descartes discuss when he says, “I think, therefore I am”?

When Descartes says, “I think, therefore I am”, he introduces his fundamental philosophical
principle. This phrase encapsulates his argument that the act of thinking itself is undeniable
proof of one's existence. In other words, even if he doubts everything else, the fact that he is
thinking confirms that he exists.

3. Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond D’Alembert: The Encyclopédie

- How do beasts differ from human being according to the encyclopedists’ definition?
According to the Encyclopedists, animals lack the intellectual and rational superiority of
humans. However, they possess certain advantages: unlike humans, they do not experience
the same hopes or fears. They face death just as humans do, but without awareness of it.
Additionally, most animals instinctively care for themselves and do not misuse their emotions
as humans often do.
- Summarize in a paragraph of about 100 words the role of education in the
development of children according to the encyclopedists’ idea.
The Encyclopedists emphasized the vital role of education in shaping a child's intellect and
moral character. They believed that education should prioritize reason and practical
knowledge rather than being rooted in outdated traditions or superstitions. Children should
be encouraged to think critically, make well-informed decisions, and understand the world
through observation and experience. The ultimate goal of education, as proposed by the
Encyclopedists, was to cultivate individuals who are virtuous, independent, and socially
responsible. This approach emphasized both intellectual and moral development, ensuring
that children grow into well-rounded members of society.
- Summarize the encyclopedists’ definition of political authority in a paragraph of
about 100 words.
The Enlightenment thinkers argued that political authority should be rooted in reason and
derive its legitimacy from the consent of the governed rather than divine right or hereditary
rule. They contended that rulers should govern justly and adhere to rational laws that
safeguard individual freedoms. Political power, in their view, should serve the collective good
by promoting justice, equality, and liberty. Furthermore, the people hold the right to
challenge and reform unjust or oppressive governments. This perspective fundamentally
opposed absolute monarchy and advocated for a more balanced and representative form of
governance.
4. Benjamin Franklin
- Enumerate the jobs Franklin ever took and the inventions he did during his life.
Professions: Printer, Publisher, Writer, Diplomat, Postmaster General, Politician, Scientist.
Inventions: Lightning rod, Franklin stove, Bifocals, Swim fins, Glass armonica, Poor
Richard's Almanack.
5. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels
* In chapter 1 of part IV

- Who are Gulliver’s companions in his journey this time? What is the main purpose of
his journey this time? How do his sailors treat him?
Gulliver is accompanied by a crew of sailors and a skilled young man named Robert
Purefoy. The primary objective of this journey is to explore uncharted territories. However,
the sailors treat him poorly and ultimately betray him. When their ship becomes stranded,
they conspire to abandon him on a deserted island, leaving him to survive on his own.
- What does Gulliver do when he is left in the island? What are the characteristics of
the island? What creatures does he encounter in the island? What are their features?
Upon being stranded, Gulliver begins exploring the island to assess his surroundings and
situation.The island appears wild and uninhabited, described as:
"divided by long rows of trees, not regularly planted, but naturally growing, with great plenty
of grass and several fields of oats."

He then encounters the Yahoos:

Covered in thick hair on different parts of their bodies.
Brown-skinned, with goat-like beards and a long ridge of hair running down their backs.
Walk on two legs and are remarkably agile.
Possess sharp claws on both their hands and feet.

Later, he meets the Houyhnhnms—an intelligent and rational breed of horse-like creatures
that live in an orderly society:
Horse-headed with well-proportioned bodies.
Highly perceptive, disciplined, and guided by logic.
- What is the horses’ attitude to Gulliver when he encounters them? What does he
think about them?
The Houyhnhnms regard Gulliver with curiosity and caution, initially assuming he is a Yahoo.
They analyze him logically, observing his behavior with a mix of interest and skepticism.
They communicate with him calmly, displaying no hostility, yet they remain puzzled by his
appearance and actions.
Gulliver, in turn, is deeply impressed and fascinated by the Houyhnhnms, admiring their
intelligence and rational way of life.

* In chapter 2 of part IV

- Why does Gulliver bring some toys together in his journey?

He brings toys as a way to demonstrate his intelligence and distinguish himself from the
creatures he encounters.
- When entering the building, which is the horses’ house, what does Gulliver think of
when he sees the hosts? Who else does he see in addition to the hosts? What is the
relationship between these creatures to the hosts?
Upon entering the Houyhnhnms' home, Gulliver immediately contrasts their refined, orderly
nature with the brutishness of the Yahoos.
Aside from the Houyhnhnms, he also sees Yahoos within the household. These creatures,
resembling humans in appearance, are portrayed as filthy, primitive, and morally
degenerate. They serve as lowly workers or slaves under the Houyhnhnms.

- What is the food do the Yahoos eat?

They eat raw meat and plants.
- How does Gulliver finally find food for him? What are those kinds of food?

Roots and Herbs: Gulliver finds edible roots, plants, and herbs that grow on the island.
These are similar to the foods that the Yahoos eat.
Fruit: He also comes across fruit in the wild, which he consumes to sustain himself.

* In chapter 3 of part IV

- What is the main task the author has to do during the time he lives with the
Houyhnhnm community? How does he get improved?
Gulliver's primary role is to observe and learn from the Houyhnhnms' rational and virtuous
way of life. Over time, he undergoes intellectual and moral transformation, adopting their
principles and becoming increasingly disillusioned with human corruption.
- What does the Houyhnhnm think about him in comparing him with the Yahoo?
Initially, they equate him with the Yahoos due to his physical resemblance. However, as they
study him further, they recognize that he possesses reasoning abilities and civilized
behavior, setting him apart from the Yahoos.
- What of his adventures and of his country and people does the author finally tell his
Houyhnhnm master about?
Gulliver recounts his travels, including his experiences in Lilliput, Brobdingnag, and Laputa.
He particularly focuses on humanity’s moral failings, emphasizing their greed, corruption,
and irrationality in contrast to the virtuous Houyhnhnms.
Writing
Find out 3 journal articles which discuss certain themes in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s
Travels. Then, put them in an order of APA format.

Myles, S. (2022). The Political Implications of Gulliver's Travels. XULAneXUS: Xavier

University of Louisiana's Undergraduate Research Journal, 19(1), 1-5.
https://digitalcommons.xula.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=xulanexus

Rawson, C. (2012). Gulliver, Travel, and Empire. CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and
Culture, 14(5), Article 7. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=2140&context=clcweb

Delacroix, O. (2021). Why Gulliver's Travels is Still Relevant Today. Dawson English
Journal. https://www.dawsonenglishjournal.ca/article/why-gullivers-travels-is-still-relevant-
today-by-ozzy-delacroix/