Enlightenment EQ: How did the Enlightenment encourage rational thought and further ideas of democratic values?

From the past we learned Renaissance: Individualism the right importance of the individual and therefore, his rights as a citizen Reformation: Relativism different beliefs, cultures, ideas, values have equal merit and therefore, laws must be designed to protect all citizens’ rights Scientific Revolution: Rationalism the power of reason could lead us to truth and therefore, improve human life (progress)

State of Nature: to live without political systems Enlightenment How to make (hu)mankind happy, rational and free, right now in this lifetime? State of Nature: to live without political systems No political association means no????

English Philosophers Hobbes Locke Desire for power and the fear of other men the ultimate motivator of (hu)man behavior Selfish and competitive Concerned with self-preservation State: Need authoritative ruler All man is endowed with same natural laws: LLP Therefore, people could live together peacefully, equally in LLP State: protect right’s of people

Debate Questions Why would human nature be a topic of discussion? Why would this be important for developing a concept for an ideal form of government? What role does environment play in creating our point of view? (Hobbes English Civil War vs. Locke Glorious Revolution)

Philosophes Three Basic Tenants Human Society is governed by Natural Laws These Natural Laws can be discovered by rational men Human society can turn from traditional, authoritarian forms, and progress toward a more perfect government through rational thought.

Natural Law Natural: universal and therefore applying to all (hu)mankind; occurring in nature; without influence from god/deity or mankind; not determined by god or mankind Law: rules based on what is morally (individually) and ethically (socially) “right”, by using rational thought. Choosing good vs. bad; right vs. wrong Universal standards within a society based on morality and ethics Therefore: civil laws become civil rights & are granted to all by nature and based upon morality and ethics

Voltaire: Mary Wollstonecraft: Cesare Beccaria: Tolerance Freedom Religious Freedom Think for yourself and allow others to do the same… Mary Wollstonecraft: Progress for women Education for women Women are capable, competent, and important contributors to society Cesare Beccaria: Laws were to keep order, not punitive No extensive abuse or torture Degree of punishment should match degree of crime committed

WHAT WOULD THEY SAY??