The Enlightenment

Enlightenment Period called “the Enlightenment” was a new intellectual movement inspired by the scientific revolution Also known as the Age of Reason Major influence on the ideas of fairness and equality that underlie the French and American revolutions

Two views on government Two major English thinkers Thomas Hobbes John Locke Opposite views of the nature of man Hobbes very pessimistic about man’s prospects Locke very positive

Hobbes’ View on Human Nature He saw first hand the horrors of the English Civil War Believed that all men were by nature selfish and wicked Life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

Hobbes’ View on Government Social contract: “deal you make with the government” (coined by Rousseau) According to Hobbes, you give up your rights in exchange for law and order Ruler needs total power to keep citizens under control

Hobbes’ social contract Best government is an absolute monarchy Key difference: people choose to have an absolute monarchy in Hobbes’ world Government’s power comes from the consent of the people Famous work: Leviathan (1651) What is a leviathan? A sea monster with awesome and inspiring power

John Locke Locke lived in exile in Holland and met William of Orange and his wife Mary Came back to England with William and Mary, saw the Glorious Revolution firsthand Believed people were good at heart and would act in the best interest of all People were reasonable

John Locke All people born free and equal with three natural rights: Life Liberty Property Purpose of government is to protect those rights If the government fails to do this, people have the right to overthrow it Basic idea behind the French and American revolutions