The Ideas of the Enlightenment Chapter 21 Lesson 2

Philosophy Most were French Writers, professors, journalists, economists and social reformers. Role: change the world Reason and spirit of rational criticism were applied to everything – including religion and politics Most notable philosophers: Montesquieu Voltaire Diderot

Montesquieu England’s government had three branches Executive (Monarch) Legislative (Parliament) Judicial (Courts of Law) Separation of powers All three branches could limit each other with a system of checks and balances Will be used by the Founding Fathers in the US Constitution

Voltaire Francois-Marie Arouet – Persian Criticism of Christianity Deism – philosophy based on reason and natural law Clock idea God was the clockmaker who created the world, set it in motion and allowed it to run without his interference and according to its own natural laws

Diderot Denis Diderot – University of Paris Encyclopedia, or Classified Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts and Trades Weapon against the old French society “Change the general way of thinking”

New Social Sciences Economics and political science Laissez-faire – let people do what they want Free Enterprise System – gov’t should not interfere in economic matters 3 roles Protect society from invasion (army) Defend citizens from injustice (police) Keep up certain public works that private individuals could not afford (roads and canals)

Spread of ideas Jean-Jacques Rousseau Social Contract - Entire society agrees to be governed by its general will and all individuals should be forced to abide by it since it represents what is best for the entire community Secularism – principle that religion should not play a role in government, education or other parts of society Rococo – grace, charm and gentle action Delicate designs colored in gold and graceful curves Music – Haydn and Mozart