The Enlightenment Chapter 22, Section 2

What was the Enlightenment? After 200 years of fighting, Europe was ready for a change by the late 1600s. The Enlightenment was a desire for reason and logic to solve political problems.

Social Contracts Thomas Hobbes John Locke 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. Wrote The Leviathan (1651) Humans are naturally reasonable, moral and good Humans have natural rights: life, liberty, and property People form governments to protect natural rights Best government was one with limited power If a government violates people’s natural rights, people have the right to overthrow government

John Locke Thomas Hobbes

Philosophes In the mid 1700s Paris became the place to be for people to share ideas. Philosophes met at salons to chat and exchange ideas.

Voltaire Wrote more than 70 books of political essays, philosophy, and satires. Beliefs: Tolerance Reason Freedom of religious belief Freedom of speech “I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Montesqieu Believed too much power for one person was a bad thing. Proposed the “separation of powers” between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Proposed “checks and balances.”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Passionately committed to individual freedom. Believed man was born free and good but easily corrupted. Believed the only good government was the “general will” or direct democracy. Consent of the Governed

Mary Wollstonecraft Women should be equally educated along with men. Women should enter professions traditionally dominated by men like medicine and politics. Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Effects of the Enlightenment Belief in Progress: people could work to solve problems Secular Outlooks: people continued to question religion. Importance of the Individual: Think for yourself.