The Enlightenment 1550-1850

Learning Objectives Describe how science led to the Enlightenment. Explain the political philosophies of Hobbes and Locke. Understand the role of enlightened despots.

Vocab PG 453 Free enterprise system Censorship Natural Law Enlightened despot Social Contract Natural Rights Laissez faire Free market

Beginnings In the 1500s and 1600s scientists began to use reason and science to learn how things worked. Natural Law – unchanging principle, discovered through reason, that govern human conduct

Beginnings Sir Isaac Newton was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution. Among his many discoveries was gravity.

Role of Government During the 1600s, two English thinkers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, set forth ideas that were to become key to the Enlightenment. Both men lived through the upheavals of the English Civil War. Yet they reached different conclusions about human nature and the purpose and proper role of government.

Role of Government – Thomas Hobbes Argument: People were naturally cruel and selfish Response: Those people needed to be controlled by a powerful government Government Type: Absolute Monarch Key Term: Social Contract

Role of Government - John Locke Argument: People were basically good Response: Life, liberty, and property Government Type: Limited government power Key Term: Natural Rights

Hobbes and Locke on the Role of Government This illustration from Thomas Hobbes's book Leviathan reflects his belief in a powerful ruler. The monarch rises above all society, just as the mythological Leviathan, or sea monster, rises above all the seas.

French Enlightened Thinkers Thought that you could use reason to improve government, law, and society. Created Ideas Such as: Separation of powers Checks and Balances Laissez Faire Free Market

The Philosophes

Censorship These reforms spread from France to the rest of Europe In response, most government and church authorities waged a war of censorship. Censorship, however, did not stop the spread of ideas. Philosophes and others disguised their ideas in works of fiction.

Enlightened Despots Took Enlightenment ideas but kept absolute control. Brought about limited social and political change Frederick the Great – Prussia – Kept total control over subjects but allowed free press and religious tolerance Catherine the Great – Russia – abolished torture and criticized the institution of serfdom. Joseph II – Austria – Travelled in disguise amongst his subjects to learn of their problems