The Enlightenment

Scientific Revolution What was it? During the 1500s, the Scientific Revolution was a period of time when scholars challenged traditional authorities. Developed new ideas about the world and began to test their theories using reason. What caused it? Exploration, scientific method, lack of trust with the church What were the effects? Science developed, changes in government (enlightenment), changes in religion, revolutions, new ideas on the physical world.

The Enlightenment In the 1600s a new generation of philosophers began to apply the idea that reason could solve all human problems. At this time, many people were inspired to debate theories on topics like government, religion., economics, education, poverty, war and ignorance. In the peak of the Enlightenment, in the 1700s, Paris was the center of intellectual activity

The Enlightenment period’s Elite 8 Philosophers

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

Wrote the Leviathan in 1651 on his views on government Main idea is that people are selfish and greedy – “people would live lives that were solitary, brutish, nasty and short” Believed that people needed government to provide them with order. People should agree to give up some freedoms to a strong leader in exchange for a government that could provide peace, order, and safety. Social Contact- exchange between society and government

John Locke

Believed in equality: life , liberty, and property. English philosopher, believed that people were naturally happy, tolerant, and reasonable. Believed in equality: life , liberty, and property. Wrote The Two Treatises on Government in 1690 Described how important fairness in law is Purpose of government was to protect the people’s natural rights. Did not believe in divine right If government did not protect the masses and their natural rights, then the citizens had the right to over throw it.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

French Philosopher, believed that people were generally born good. Wrote the Social Contract in 1763 Government is for the common good, equality between all people. “man is born free but everywhere is in chains.” Believed that society corrupted people. Government should work to protect the common good, not the wealthy few. Argued that people should give up some of their freedoms to the community as a whole.

French Thinker, argued that the best form of government included a separation of power In 1748, he published The Spirit of the Laws. In this book he wrote about his admiration for Great Britain's Government: Parliament made the laws, king and his advisors enforced the laws, the court system interprets the laws. He believed that the separation of power would prevent any individual from gaining too much power. Becomes known as the system of checks and balances.

Voltaire

One of the Most outspoken French philosophers was Francois Marie Arouet (Voltaire was his pen name) Wrote the Candide in 1759 , a work of fiction that made people question society’s ignorance and superstitions. As expected by Voltaire, Candide has enjoyed both great success and great scandal Immediately after its secretive publication, the book was widely banned because it contained religious blasphemy and political sedition

Immanuel Kant

Wrote Perpetual Peace in 1795 German philosopher who lectured and wrote about anthropology and human reason Wrote Perpetual Peace in 1795 “Freedom for one state demands freedom for all; because only republican states, wherein the people have some say in their government, will avoid wars.”

Mary Wollstonecraft

Demanded equal rights for women, especially in education English writer Demanded equal rights for women, especially in education Considered a very radical view at the time – although Enlightenment thinkers questioned a lot of things, society had a very traditional view on the woman’s role in society Wrote The Vindication of the Rights of Women Women should have equal education Equal education would lead to equal place in society

Adam Smith

Wrote the Wealth of Nations in 1776 Scottish Economist Wrote the Wealth of Nations in 1776 Business activities should take place in a free market Laissez-faire economy Economy would be stronger if the market forces supply and demand were allowed to work freely.

Philosophers on the Enlightenment Chart

Key Enlightenment Ideas The ability to reason is what makes humans unique and can be used to solve problems Reason can free people from ignorance, superstition and unfair government The world should be governed by natural laws to protect the masses, not the individual. Governments should reflect natural laws and encourage education and debate.

Enlightened Despot Monarchs who developed system of government which ruled according to enlightenment ideas Enlightenment influenced monarchies: Frederick II in Prussia Abolished torture, established education system, and reduced censorship Catherine the Great in Russia Drafted a constitution which freed serfs, never happened Joseph II in Austria Granted religious tolerance to Protestants and Jews Later inspire revolutions in France and Great Britain's American Colonies