The European Enlightenment 17 th & 18 th Century Scholars & philosophers question traditional ideas about society A Changing World… Government, Religion, Economics, Education

Influence: the Scientific Revolution Apply scientific methods Progress – create better societies Secular = worldly, not religious Aristocrats & the Urban Middle Class (“the Public”)

Thomas Hobbes Rights of individuals & equality of all men Human nature is to pursue self-interest Authority depends on “consent of the governed” Leviathan

John Locke England, late 1700s Link between Sci Rev and Enlightenment People are rational; able to learn & improve Democratic self-government & religious tolerance Government's role is to protect rights – Natural rights (life, liberty & property)

The Philosophes Basic Beliefs Reason – all truth can be discovered through logical thinking Nature – what is natural is good & reasonable Happiness – joy should be sought in life (not wait until Heaven) Progress – improvement is possible and good Liberty – desire for protection of rights (for example: religious tolerance) Diderot’s Encyclopedia: compiled articles from all major Philosophes into one large volume

Salons Talented and rich women held social gatherings Patrons of the arts Exchange of ideas among the well- educated, witty, and innovative Literature, science, philosophy, etc. Uncensored ideas and conversation

Satire Illegal to openly criticize the Church or the State Jail or exile Satire = use of humor to criticize social problems Satire Writers concealed social commentary with satire or double meanings

Montesquieu French baron Prevention of tyranny – Separation of powers Promotion of liberty – checks & balances Britain: king (executive), parliament (legislative), & judges (judicial)

Voltaire François Marie Arouet – French writer & satirist Fought religious intolerance, prejudice, & superstition Freedom of thought Jailed & exiled for criticism of the French Court Candide – his most famous work

Jean Jacques Rousseau Controversial Swiss essayist People are corrupted by civilization which destroys freedom Careful civic education The Social Contract - republican democracy – Popular sovereignty - people displace monarchs as the leaders – General Will – a simple majority may not always represent the people’s long-term needs

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria Italian critic of justice system abuses Torture, irregular procedures, arbitrary & cruel punishment Laws should be to preserve social order, not punish crime Punishment should suit the crime Rational humans will avoid punishment and crime will decrease Against capital punishment

Mary Wollstonecraft Male philosophes did not extend ideas of liberty to women A Vindication of the Rights of Women Women are not naturally inferior to men Need & deserve education Men & women should be treated as rational & equal

Lasting Impact Belief in social & political progress Increasingly secular outlook – Open questioning of religious beliefs Individualism – Value of the common person to use ration – Government & economics Scientific and social revolution… Can Absolute Monarchy survive?