People of the Enlightenment 1

Baron de Montesquieu Political Philosopher Studied European governments 1748: The Spirit of the Laws Divide powers of Government/ Checks and Balances Would soon affect the Framers of the US Constitution 2

Jean-Jaques Rousseau Civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness 1762: Social Contract – An agreement between free individuals to create a society and govn’t 3

John Locke Political Philosopher Positive view of human nature People could learn from experience and improve Natural Rights- Life, Liberty, & Property 4

Mary Wollstonecraft Feminist 1792: A Vindication of the Rights of Women Women needed education to be useful to society 5

Thomas Hobbes Philosopher 1651: Leviathan People are naturally bad and need strict government rules Social Contract- people hand over rights to a strong ruler Wanted an absolute monarchy 6

Adam Smith Economist/ Writer The Wealth of Nations The free market should regulate business activity Supply and Demand/ Laissez Faire 7

Voltaire (Francois Marie Arouet) Philosophes Most brilliant and influential Published more than 70 books Often used satire against clergy, aristocracy, & govn’t “I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.” 8

Legacies of the Enlightenment 1.Belief in Progress – Success of the Scientific Revolution gave people the confidence that human reason could solve social problems 2.A More Secular Outlook – Scientist began to explain the mysteries of the universe that had once been accepted as “the workings of God” 3.Importance of the Individual – People began to turn away from the church and royalty for guidance and looked to themselves instead 9