Enlightenment
Scientific Revolution Edward Jenner- Vaccine for smallpox Natural Law- gravity, magnetism Discover through reason
Hobbes vs. Locke Both lived through English Civil War Different conclusions on human nature
Hobbes believes in power of government Leviathan People naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish Must be strictly controlled Social Contract- give up freedoms for an organized society Powerful government to ensure order Absolute monarchy
Locke advocates natural rights Believed people reasonable and moral Natural rights- life, liberty, and property Two Treaties of Government Government formed to protect natural rights Limited power government accepted by all citizens Government has obligation to people Otherwise it can be overthrown
The Philosophers French Methods of science on society Reason could reform government
Montesquieu Advances the idea of Separation of Powers Studied all governments The Spirit of the Laws Protect liberty by dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial Checks and balances
Voltaire Defends Freedom of thought “My trade to say what I think” Used biting wit as weapon to expose abuse Targeted corrupt Detested the slave trade, and religious prejudice Imprisoned and exiled (Freedom of speech)
Diderot Edits the Encyclopedia Produced 28 vol. Encyclopedia “to change the general way of thinking” Articles by leading thinkers of the day Attacked multiple things French government and Catholic church in outrage Spread ideas through Europe and Americans
Rousseau Promotes The Social Contract people were basically good Evils of society corrupt Minimal control Freely elected Good of the community above individual interest
Women Challenge the Philosophers “free and equal” did not apply to women Women had rights limited to home and family Women excluded from social contract Ridiculed Should decide their own interest Wollstonecraft Vindication of the Rights of Woman education (tools to compete)
Laissez Faire Replaces Mercantilism Little or no government control of economy Support free trade, oppose tariffs
Smith argues for a free market Adam Smith Wealth of nations Free market regulate business Supply and demand link Government had duty to protect society, administer justice, provide public works