Enlightenment Influenced by Scientific Revolution The Enlightenment was "Mankind's final coming of age, the emancipation of the human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error." Influenced by Scientific Revolution Before superstition explained everything Science to understand Natural World Gravity, Chemistry, Medicine Characteristics 1. Cause and effect for everything 2. Rationalism Truth through reason "Age of Reason" 3. Natural laws Deism

If Science can help explain world( physical laws) Why not use them to discover Natural Laws laws that govern human nature Every social, political, and economic problem could be solved through the use of Science and reason. Who has a say in social, political, and economic?

First Enlightened thinkers Thomas Hobbes wrote book called Leviathan People lived in anarchy Humans are naturally cruel, greedy and selfish. To escape this “brutish” life people entered into a social contract. Only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society. Believed only an ABSOLUTE MONARCHY could keep a society completely orderly. In turn people give up control to protect life

John Locke Humans are naturally reasonable, moral and good Humans have natural rights: life liberty and property People form governments to protect natural rights LIFE LIBERTY and ESTATES Best government was one with limited power  If a government violates people’s natural rights, people have the right to overthrow government!!! 

Ideas explode in France (Absolute Monarchy) Philosophes Critics of the world Wrote ideas and thoughts down Denis Diderot “From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.” Encyclopedia Reference on enlighten ideas from slavery, torture, war ect. Spread Ideas across the Europe Salons place to be critic of world powers Determined in mid-1700s to try to compile great expansion of human knowledge into a single work

Perfect government through natural laws 3 branches of Government Baron de Montesquieu Anti Divine Right Perfect government through natural laws 3 branches of Government 1. Legislative 2. Executive 3. Judicial Branches based on Checks and Balances STAR02621

“It is dangerous to be right Voltaire “It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.” Prison time fought against intolerance and injustice mostly religious and government "Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too." ”Judge a person by their questions not their answers”

History repeats itself in societies Social Contract people born good Jean Jacques Rousseau History repeats itself in societies Social Contract people born good Environment makes them bad (professions and Private property) “General Will” –traces of all citizens will To maintain good = people must control and choose government POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY General Will - The law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to contribute personally, or through their representatives, to its formation. It must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes. All citizens, being equal in its eyes, are equally admissible to all public dignities, positions, and employments, according to their capacities, and without any other distinction than that of their virtues and their talents.[1]

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT She argued that women had not been included in the Enlightenment slogan “free and equal.” Women had been excluded from the social contract. Her arguments were often met with scorn, even from some ‘enlightened’ men.

She wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women in 1792. Wollstonecraft believed in equal education for girls and boys. Only education could give women the knowledge to participate equally with men in public life. She did argue that a woman’s first duty was to be a good mother. But, a woman could also decide on her own what was in her interest without depending on her husband.

Impact of Enlightenment Belief in Progress – Sciences and society More Secular Society – understanding universe they lived in lead to man being focus. Lead to wanting of tolerance of all religions and ideas Importance of the individual – turn away from King and Religion want to rely on SELF

Philosophes try to make world better Hate absolutism and Religion as practice in the day Wanted Enlightened Despot Countries that had absolute rule hated Enlightenment Prohibited publishing of books Church preached against Philosphes "Dare to know! Have courage to use your own reason!” Immaneul Kant

Take each Enlighten thinker we discussed. Find a Quote from each. Must not be one we talked about in class. Which one do you agree with the most and which one do you disagree with the most. WHY?