18TH Century movement Europe Thinkers apply reason and scientific methods to all aspects of society
The Philosophes Height of Enlightenment in France Met in Paris to discuss ideas Believed people could apply reason to all aspects of life
Five concepts of core beliefs: Philosophes cont. Five concepts of core beliefs: Reason Nature Happiness Progress Liberty
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes Absolute monarchy was best Human beings are naturally: Violent Disorderly Without absolute monarch = chaos 1651 Leviathan Form social contract Give up freedoms to be protected and live peacefully No right to rebel
John Locke
John Locke Government based on social contract Human beings are naturally: Reasonable Moral All people have natural rights Life Liberty Property
Locke cont. Government created to protect natural rights People had right to overthrow
Voltaire
Voltaire French writer Fought for: Made many enemies Tolerance Reason Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Made many enemies Sent to jail & later exiled to England for two years
Montesquieu
French writer – political liberty Montesquieu French writer – political liberty Proposed separation of powers amongst branches of government Keep individuals or groups from becoming too powerful
Rousseau
Rousseau Passionate about individual freedoms Believed society corrupted people’s natural goodness Believed only good government was freely formed from the “will of the people”
All people equal titles of nobility abolished Rousseau cont. Social contract Free individuals to create society and government All people equal titles of nobility abolished
Beccaria
Beccaria Italian philosophe Laws existed to preserve social order Argued for rights of the accused Believed capital punishment should be abolished
Adam Smith
Adam Smith Father of Economics If individuals free to pursue own economic self interests society benefits
Adam Smith Laissez – Faire Economics Government should leave the economy ALONE 3 roles of government Protect state from invasion Defend citizens from injustices Keep up public works (i.e. roads, canals)
Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft Philosophes held traditional view toward women Mary argued that women need education Urged women to enter fields dominated by men Medicine Politics
Inspired French and American Revolutions Three long-term effects Legacy Inspired French and American Revolutions Three long-term effects Belief in progress Rise of more secular outlook Rise of individualism