The Enlightenment

Review At your table groups: Review Hobbes—what were his views on human nature and government, how did he reach these conclusions? Review Locke—what were his views on human nature and government, how did he reach these conclusions?

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

Paris

1700s Paris Paris becomes the center of learning and ideas in Europe Philosophes – believed that people could apply logic and reason to all aspects of life

Philosophes Five main concepts behind their beliefs Reason – truth could be discovered through logic or reasoning Nature – what was natural was also good Happiness – be happy here and now Progress – mankind can always improve Liberty – the French philosophes wanted the same liberties that the English had won through Bill of Rights, etc.

Baron de Montesquieu Thought Britain was the best-run country on earth Well balanced-3 branch government: King/Queen had executive power Parliament had legislative power Courts had judicial power Came up with the idea of checks and balances One branch of government doesn’t have too much power – is “checked” by another branch Basis of United States constitution

Rousseau’s View of Human Nature believed people in their natural state were basically good, but… …are corrupted by society “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains”

Rousseau’s View on Government Perfect gov’t/society would be made up of free citizens who formed a government Individuals determine what common good is and the will of the people would become law Then individuals give up their rights (self- interest) in favor of the common good Similar to Locke, except Rousseau wanted to abolish all noble titles

Voltaire Most famous of the French philosophers Quote: “I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” Favored a strong monarch, and an enlightened monarch

From Paris to the world Paris is still the center of enlightened thought Ideas start to spread faster through printing of books and meetings in salons Salon – large drawing rooms at the homes of Parisian society ladies where philosophes would gather to discuss issues and ideas

Diderot Writes the first encyclopedia in 1751, called…. Encyclopedia Expressed a lot of enlightened ideas in articles Outraged church officials and French government leaders Diderot continued publishing despite this