Enlightenment: The Age of Reason World Studies October 21

I. Definition The Scientific Revolution showed that the universe follows natural laws Isaac Newton developed the laws of gravity The Enlightenment was the search for the natural laws that govern man and society A revolution of thinking and use of reason Rene Descartes emphasized the use of reason in his book Discourse on Method “I think therefore I am”

II. Contrasting Opinions Hobbes and Locke were important to the beginning of the Enlightenment Had very differing opinions on the nature of man and government Hobbes: people are evil and can’t be trusted to behave; enter into a social contract through which they give up rights for order Locke: people are good and have inalienable rights that cannot be violated by the gov’t Locke’s opinions appealed to many who were struggling under absolute rulers

Hobbes and Locke

III. Montesquieu An important French thinker; studied many different types of government and published his opinions in 1748 Separation of powers (checks and balances) was necessary to prevent the government from violating people’s rights Britain’s limited monarchy was good because the monarch was checked by Parliament

IV. Philosophes Voltaire was a French thinker who believed in the Freedom of Speech Spoke out against government corruption and religious prejudice Was jailed several times as a result “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”

Voltaire

Rousseau wrote The Social Contract (1762) Diderot worked for 25 years to collect articles for his Encyclopedia, finished 1751 Mostly new ideas on government and religion Anti-absolutism, anti-slavery, pro-education, pro-freedom of speech Both Church and government tried to ban it Rousseau wrote The Social Contract (1762) Felt governments must be elected and must put very few restrictions on people People are good and will do what is best for the community Unequal distribution of wealth is a societal evil that keeps this from working

V. Women Philosophes believed women have natural rights, but are more like children than men Natural place is in the home Mary Wollstonecraft agreed that women’s first duty was to family But also believed that girls should be as educated as boys Wrote her theory in A Vindication of the Rights of Women Women should be allowed to think for themselves, not entirely depend on their husbands

Madame Geoffrin was one of the most influential salon hostesses

VI. Physiocrats Physiocrats believed natural laws guide economic systems Adam Smith believed in laissez faire or that the government should not interfere with business Free market: if there is demand for goods, then suppliers will meet it Prices will set themselves; the most consumers will pay while still selling all goods Wrote his ideas in his book The Wealth of Nations