The Enlightenment

Paris

Paris

Paris

Thesis Due to the extreme power rested in one individual—the king—during the Age of Absolute Monarchs, the Enlightenment sprung up as a reaction to this; finally beginning to involve the peasants class in politics, albeit, the rich end of the peasant class. This movement was most prominent in France because of the extreme power and decadence which had rested in the hands of the French monarchy during the reign of the most powerful and quintessential absolute monarch, Louis XIV.

1700s Paris Paris becomes the center of learning and ideas in Europe Philosophes – believed that people could apply logic and reason to all aspects of life Just like Newton did applying reason to science

Baron de Montesquieu Jean-Jacques Rousseau Voltaire

Montesquieu, Voltaire & Rousseau discussion questions 1. Explain these Philosophes thoughts on power, who should have it, how it should be used, etc. 2. Explain the relationship between laws, government and people. 3. What is goodness and morality and how is it defined? 4. Explain education, its role, and its importance. 5. How do these Philosophes feel about God and religion? What are their arguments? 6. How do Voltaire’s ideas of prejudice and equality apply to the thoughts of the other Philosophes?

Philosophes Five main concepts behind their beliefs Reason – truth could be discovered through logic or reasoning Nature – what was natural was also good Happiness – be happy here and now Progress – mankind can always improve Liberty – the French philosophes wanted the same liberties that the English had won through Bill of Rights, etc.

Baron de Montesquieu Thought Britain was the best-run country on earth King/Queen had executive power Parliament had legislative power Courts had judicial power All worked in concert – well-balanced Came up with the idea of checks and balances One branch of government doesn’t have too much power – is “checked” by another branch Basis of United States constitution

Rousseau Believed civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness The only good government is when people give up rights for the common good His social contract was between people working together to create democracy Similar to Locke, except Rousseau believed that all people were equal and wanted to abolish all noble titles

Voltaire Most famous of the French philosophers Used satire to make fun of “important” people Satire – use of irony, sarcasm or wit to attack folly or stupidity Went to jail for his sharp tongue Quote: “I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (didn’t really say this)