Enlightenment The Age of Reason

Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke Philosophers Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke

Thomas Hobbes Wrote the book the Leviathan Says people are naturally mean, greedy, and violent People are only good when forced to. The stronger the government, the better people will behave Ideal government – Absolute Monarchy

Jean – Jacque Rousseau People in nature are good Institutions make people evil Power to rule lies in the people Ideal government – No government

John Locke Wrote the book Two Treatises of Government People are naturally good, but sometimes do bad things People have a right to life, liberty, and property Government should protect people and establish order Government should be a contract between the people and the rulers. If the government fails to protect and serve, it may be broken

Causes: Scientific Revolution The Scientific Revolution changes everything! Science uses “LAWS” to describe things People want to use “LAWS” to describe society

Scientific Revolution spreads to Society People looked for laws of nature that governed human behavior They applied Scientific Method to all aspects of Society Government Economics Religion Education

Used scientific studies to improve society Believed Reason was the source of Truth Enlightenment is having the courage and the determination to use one’s intelligence without guidance: What does this mean?

New Literature England and France – Authors come from Novel – fictional story with characters: Robinson Crusoe Satire – Makes fun of society: Jonathan Swift – Gulliver’s Travels

New Music Germany and Austria – Composers Bach – German Hayden – Austrian Mozart – Austrian Beethoven – Austrian Handel - Austrian

New Paintings and Architecture Paintings become rich in color and detail More about the life of the common man New Architecture: Baroque – very elaborate Classical – simple and elegant

Voltaire: Dictator of Letters Defense of Civil Liberties: Freedom of Religion and the Right to a fair trial He wrote satirical plays about famous people – sometimes these landed him in jail Frederick the Great and he were friends: However – Voltaire was not obedient enough for the friendship to remain

Enlightened Rulers An Enlightened despot is a ruler who uses his power for the good of the people They justify reign for the GOOD OF SOCIETY not DEVINE RIGHT

Frederick II of Prussia He granted religious freedom of Catholics and Protestants, but not Jews He reduced the use of torture and admitted serfdom was wrong He allowed freedom of the press, admired Voltaire, and saw himself as a servant of the state.

Catherine the Great of Russia She also corresponded with Voltaire and attempted to listen to the wishes of the people She set up a constitutional convention, but dismissed the delegates She did allow religious freedom for Catholics and Jews and limit torture.