Empiricism is a theory of knowledge which asserts that knowledge comes primarily or exclusively from sensory experience. It emphasizes the role of empirical evidence in the formation of ideas, rather than innate ideas or traditions. This philosophy was a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought, championed by figures like John Locke and David Hume.

In his 'Preface to Shakespeare', Samuel Johnson argued that Shakespeare's genius was more naturally suited to comedy than tragedy. Johnson believed that Shakespeare's comedies were more original and true to life, whereas he felt the tragedies sometimes suffered from forced plots or uneven execution, reflecting the neoclassical critical standards of the 18th century.

Samuel Johnson’s dictionary project was a monumental effort to codify and standardize the English language. It reflects the Neoclassical commitment to order, systematic classification, and authoritative judgment. By documenting usage and providing definitions, Johnson sought to bring stability to the language, embodying the era's belief in the power of reason to organize and refine human knowledge.

Neoclassicism, dominant in the 18th century, emphasized Enlightenment values such as rationality, order, and the imitation of classical models. While the movement valued intellectual rigor and societal progress, the assertion that a sense of human imperfection is not a core element is debatable, as many Neoclassical writers, like Alexander Pope, frequently explored human fallibility and the need for moral correction through satire and reason.

Samuel Richardson was a significant figure in the 18th century, often associated with the development of the English novel during the Augustan and post-Augustan eras. His epistolary novels, such as 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa', were highly influential in shaping the narrative techniques and moral focus of the period's prose literature.

The Scientific Revolution established the paradigm that the universe functions according to universal, observable laws. Enlightenment thinkers applied this empirical methodology to human society and governance, arguing that political and social structures should also be rational and subject to natural laws rather than the arbitrary dictates of tradition or absolute monarchy, thus fueling the spirit of political revolution.

Samuel Johnson's 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets', published between 1779 and 1781, contains biographical and critical essays on 52 poets. This collection is considered a foundational text in English literary criticism, reflecting the neoclassical values and critical standards of the 18th century.

The Great Chain of Being is a philosophical concept that originated in classical antiquity and remained highly influential through the Neoclassical period. It describes a strict, hierarchical structure of all matter and life, thought to have been decreed by God. This worldview emphasized order, stability, and the interconnectedness of all existence, which resonated deeply with the Neoclassical focus on reason, structure, and the preservation of social and cosmic hierarchies.

The Enlightenment was a transformative intellectual movement during the 18th century. It prioritized human reason, empirical evidence, and the scientific method as primary tools for understanding the universe and improving societal conditions. By challenging traditional dogmas and promoting critical inquiry, Enlightenment thinkers sought to foster human progress and intellectual autonomy, leaving an indelible mark on the development of modern Western political, social, and scientific thought.

In 'Rasselas', Prince of Abyssinia, Johnson explores the 'choice of life' and the persistent human search for contentment. The narrative consistently demonstrates that no state of existence—whether in the Happy Valley or the outside world—can provide lasting happiness. This reflects the same pessimistic, moralistic outlook found in his poem 'The Vanity of Human Wishes,' where he argues that human desires are inherently insatiable and fleeting.