THE AGE OF REASON… The Enlightenment

Human Reason, Science, eligious Tolerance Tyranny Def: An Intellectual movement of the 17 th and 18 th centuries marked by a celebration of the powers of Human Reason, a keen interest in Science, the promotion of Religious Tolerance, and a desire to construct governments free of Tyranny…

It affected MANY areas of life – (see the chart) Science, Theology, Arts, Music, Philosophy, Economics, and Government

There was a concerted effort to try and explain Everything through science, math and reasoned analysis… The Scientific Revolution continued through this period with the work of Isaac Newton…

Enlightenment Philosophes Philosophe: an Enlightened thinker or philosopher Mostly FRENCH/Parisian ‘Elites’… Gathered in SALONS to discuss/debate ideas, etc..

The most important Four: Diderot Diderot- who questioned everything and compiled the first Encyclopedia

Montesquieu Montesquieu- espoused the idea of a system of Checks/Balances = Separation of Powers in gov’t

Voltaire

Enlightenment… Voltaire Voltaire- advocate of Free Speech… “ I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”… Anti-Establishment/Anti-Church/est. religion

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Jean Jacques Rousseau Jean Jacques Rousseau- Criticized the Enlightenment… Social Contract Wrote the Social Contract Famous for saying: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains…” Said Sovereignty rested w/the PEOPLE, not government… (ultimately people have the power)

Enlightenment- Gov’t… ‘Enlightened’ Despots Period of ‘Enlightened’ Despots… Rulers who sought to govern by Enlightenment principles while maintaining their Royal powers… Some leaders initiated reforms in their countries during this time…

Maria Theresa

Enlightened Despots (successful) Maria Theresa Austria- Maria Theresa of Austria- Hapsburg Family successor Clever, Resourceful Considered one of the first and greatest of the Enlightened Despots…

Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia

Frederick II (the Great) Prussia Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia- Most famous …Leads during Seven Years’War (see video) Believed he was the first “Servant of the State” Re-built Prussia into a military power…. Sets-up what will become modern Germany…

Catherine II (the Great) of Russia

Enlightened Despots (unsuccessful) Catherine II (the Great) of Russia Catherine II (the Great) of Russia- Attempted many reforms Didn’t work- too many problems in Russia Didn’t do much for the Serfs…(still feudal) Did expand Russia’s territory (see map)

Joseph II of Austria

Joseph II of Austria Joseph II of Austria- Attempted great reforms Too much, too soon/most reforms failed

Adam Smith

Enlightenment…Economics Adam Smith Adam Smith- Wealth of Nations (see article) Introduced/espoused a new economic philosophy: “Laissez- Faire” = (“leave alone”/”hands off”)

Government should STAY OUT of the Economics of a Nation…(the more a gov’t is involved, the more it screws it up!) Economics CAPITALISM He is considered the founder of modern Economics, and of CAPITALISM…

Enlightenment: Music/Theology Music = the late ‘Classical’ period… Haydn & Mozart The two greatest composers: Haydn & Mozart… Then: Beethoven- last of the ‘Classical’, first of the ‘Romantic’ period composers…

DEISM Religion/Theology- DEISM- was the new, popular theology of the Enlightenment…also: Unitarian Universalists, and Christian Scientists Metaphysics’ Opponents of ‘Enlightened’ religion: Immanuel Kant, who invents ‘Metaphysics’…(don’t even ask…)

Enlightenment Religion: Methodism… John Wesley The Methodist Church and Methodism were founded by John Wesley along with the help of his brother Charles Wesley… Came out of the Anglican Church…

A reaction to the cold formality of the Church of England… personalrelationship Stressed the value of a personal relationship with Jesus/God… Led to a major spiritual revival in England and in the American colonies (Great Awakening)