The Enlightenment By Mrs. Hoff

The Enlightenment in Europe Main idea: A revolution in intellectual activity changed European’s view of government and society. Why it matters now: Freedoms and some forms of government in many countries today are a result of Enlightenment thinking.

Two Views on Government First view on government states that: A monarch’s rule is justified by divine right. Thomas Hobbes believed that people need a strong government to keep order. He believed this because he thinks that all people are naturally selfish and wicked. Therefore, they must give up their rights to a strong ruler. In exchange, they will gain law and order.

Two Views on Government This idea is called the Social Contract: A contract is agreed upon by both groups. He also believed that the best government was an absolute monarchy because the monarch can impose order and demand obedience.

Two Views on Government  Second view on government states that: A government’s power comes from the consent of the people. John Locke also believed in a social contract, but his view was different: he believed that people have the natural ability to govern themselves. He believes all people are born free and equal with three natural rights – life, liberty, and property.

Two Views on Government Purpose of government is to protect those rights. If a government fails to do this, then the citizens have the right to overthrow it and form a new one. His ideas help to inspire governments in Europe and America.

The Philosophes Advocate Reason Philo means “lover of” and sophe means “wisdom”, so Philosophes are philosophers – people who love knowledge and believe reason (knowledge) can be applied to all aspects of life.

The five important philosophical concepts are: Reason – truth comes from logic Nature – things that are natural are good and reasonable Happiness – live by natural laws, have well-being on earth Progress – use science to improve people’s lives Liberty – many people felt some restrictions, like those on speech, religion, trade, and personal travel, were unnecessary and should be removed.

Voltaire fights intolerance through his writing Voltaire published over 70 books of political essays, philosophy, history, fiction, and drama He used satire (making fun of people) against those who disliked him. He was imprisoned for his writings several times because he mocked laws, customs, and even the Christian religion. Fought for freedom of speech, tolerance, and the end of prejudice and superstition.

Voltaire fights intolerance through his writing Voltaire is famous for his statement: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Montesquieu Montesquieu believed a government’s power should be divided into different branches. Power should be balanced between three powers – an executive, a legislative or lawmaking power, and a judicial power. This is called separation of powers. Later this would be called “checks and balances”.

Checks and Balances

Rousseau Rousseau believes governments should be formed through the agreement of free individuals. Believes that civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness. The only good government was one that was freely formed by the people and guided by good will – a “direct democracy”. People should give up some of their freedom in favor of the common good.

Baccaria Baccaria’s idea about the justice system promoted criminal justice. Laws exist to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes. People have the right to a speedy trial. Torture should never be used. Punishment should fit the crime. Capital punishment should be abolished.

Women and the Enlightenment Women writers argue for more education for women and for women’s equality in marriage. Wollstonecraft argues that women should have education and that the relationship between men and women should be equal. Women should also be allowed to vote.

Women and the Enlightenment Women hold salons in their homes – places where thinkers came together to discuss ideas and work towards putting them to use.

A World of Ideas Philosophers, writers, artists, scientists, and others gather regularly in salons to discuss new ideas. Diderot creates an encyclopedia containing current ideas about science, art, and government. Book was banned by the Catholic Church and the French government. Enlightenment ideas spread to intellectuals and the middle class throughout Europe. Middle-class people are literate and have money to spend to buy books and art.

Art and Literature in the Age of Reform The new artistic style is simple and elegant. It borrows ideas from classical Greece and Rome. Old Style: Baroque –grand ornate style from 1600-1700 New Style: Neoclassical – neo means “new” and classical means “old” so the “new” “Greek and Roman” style.

Art and Literature in the Age of Reform Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart are among the great music composers from this period. Novels presenting entertaining stories written in everyday English appear to the middle class. Example: Robinson Crusoe

Enlightenment and Monarchy Many monarchs are also affected by the ideas of the Enlightenment and make changes to reflect that. These people are called “Enlightened Despots”: despot means absolute ruler

Enlightenment and Monarchy Frederick II of Prussia announces that his goal is to serve and strengthen his country. Granted many freedoms, improved education, and ended torture. Did not end serfdom.

Enlightenment and Monarchy In Austria, Joseph II’s radical reforms included freedom of worship and the end of serfdom.

Enlightenment and Monarchy Catherine II of Russia made limited reforms. Was considered by many philosophes to be a great enlightened despot

Enlightenment and Monarchy Catherine did try to make reforms, but she later revoked many of them. Catherine was afraid of her peasant population and brutally crushed a revolution by them. Gave nobles complete control over the serfs, which leads to many hardships for them. Catherine II also famous for vastly enlarging the Russian Empire and winning a warm water port in the Black Sea.

Impact of the Enlightenment People have confidence that human reason can solve social problems. A more secular (not God centered) outlook emerges as scientific thinking replaces superstition, fear, and intolerance The individual becomes important as people use their own ability to reason and judge.