The Enlightenment in Europe

The Enlightenment A new intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems. Also known as the Age of Reason- mid 1700’s The enlightenment will start from 2 English thinkers in the 1600’s. (Thomas Hobbes & John Locke) But these 2 men will come to extremely different viewpoints on government and nature

Hobbes’s Social Contract Expressed his views in his work “Leviathan (1651) The English Civil War convinced him that mankind was at its core evil, selfish, and wicked. Without strong governments to keep order there would be non stop war and life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. Only way to escape this type life was to hand over entirely all their rights to a strong ruler/leader. In exchange they will gain law and order.

Hobbes 

Hobbes stated that this agreement between the people and their government is called the “Social Contract Theory” In this type of society a ruler will need total and complete power in order to keep people safe and under control. The best type of government was one that had awesome power like that of a leviathan. The best way to have this type of government is through an absolute monarchy.

Leviathan

Locke’s Natural Rights He held a more positive view on human nature. Believed that people through experience could better improve themselves. As reasonable beings we have the natural ability to govern our own affairs as well as the welfare of society. He criticized monarchies and propped up self governing.

Locke

Believed all people are born free with natural rights --- Life --- Liberty --- Property Purpose of government is to protect these rights and if that govt. fails then the people have the right to overthrow the government. Governments power comes from the consent of the governed He will be a HUGE influence in what country???

The Philosophes Advocate Reason The Enlightenment reached its height in France in mid 1700’s. Paris will become the meeting place for many philosophers and for those who wanted to discuss politics and ideals. The social critics of this time period were known as Philosophes Believed people should apply reason to all aspects of life. 5 concepts formed their core beliefs

1) Reason: Enlightened thinkers believed truth can be discovered through reason or logical thinking. 2) Nature: Philosophes believed what was natural was also good and reasonable 3) Happiness: The philosophes rejected the medieval notion that people should find joy in hereafter and urged people to seek well- being here on earth. 4) Progress: The Philosophes stressed that society and humankind could improve 5) Liberty: The Philosophes called for the liberties that the English people had won in their Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights.

Voltaire Combats Intolerance Will become one of the most brilliant and influential Philosophes of his time. Published more than 70 books of political essays, philosophy, and drama. He tended to target the clergy, aristocracy, and government in his writings. He was sent to prison twice in France for his sharp tongue. After 2nd imprisonment he was exiled to England.

Voltaire

Famous Quote from Voltaire “I do not agree with a word you say but I will defend to the death for your right to say it”

Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers Inspirational French writer who devoted himself to the study of political liberty. Argued that Britain was the best governed and most politically balanced country of its day. The British Kings and Ministers held the executive power and carried out the laws of the state. The members of Parliament held legislative power and they made the laws. The judges of the English Court held judicial power and interpreted the laws to see how each is applied. These ideas combined are called a system of “Checks and Balances”

Montesquieu

Rousseau: Champion of the Freedom French Philosophe committed to individual freedom. Considered brilliant but very controversial Argued that civilization over time corrupted people’s natural goodness. “Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains” Only good government is one that is freely formed by the people and guided by the general will of society(Mob rule?) Legit power came from the consent of the governed.

Rousseau

Legacy of the Enlightenment Writers will challenge long held ideas about society. Will debunk divine right rulers, social classes in society, and the clergy. These new theories on governance and society will influence Americans across the sea and will lead to their own revolution. Belief in progress More secular outlook on life Importance of the individual

The End You Survived