The Enlightenment: Overview

Enlightenment 18 th C shift to scientific analysis in political philosophy, social sciences, and religion Conviction that economic change and political reform were possible and desirable Deep political effects, especially in America and France Influenced “enlightened despots” such as Frederick II, Joseph II, Catherine the Great Contained seeds of socialism and social upheaval of 19 th and 20 th centuries Jeu des Philosophes, deck printed 1793

Applications Enlightenment thinkers pushed for changes in economy, agriculture, social practices, political practices, and religion “Enlightened Absolutism” was a form of absolute monarchy that embraced social, economic, and sometimes religious reform Jethro Tull

Philosophes Writers and critics who forged new attitudes favorable to change Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Kant, et al Agreed on rational approach to change, but disagreed on specifics Agreed on ultimate goal of increasing human liberty Used print media to propagate ideas: treatises, novels, plays, pamphlets, books La lecture des philosophes Collection Jean-Jacques Monney, Genève

Religion and Enlightenment Philosophes believed in religious tolerance Philosophes often argued for existence of God, but not intolerant religion Philosophes tended to argue that organized religion prevented improvement of humankind Deism: belief in single, creator, “watchmaker” God with “rational” worship Voltaire: “Crush the infamous thing” Notre Dame became the Temple of Reason

Diderot’s Encyclopedia Denis Diderot Continually indebted son of a cutler Compiled explanation of all things and ideas 1750: offered public opportunity to purchase first volume; completed : Officially suppressed, for fear of dangerous ideas Final version heavily edited by printers, fearing persecution Print from Diderot’s Encyclopedia

Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations explained economic self-interest, scarcity, and supply and demand Explained the “Invisible Hand” that controls markets Famously explored division of labor through analysis of pin factory Believed in free-market forces leading economy to adjust itself

Voltaire Considered France’s greatest writer Great wit; crusader against injustice, intolerance, war; advocated reform Wrote 56 plays, dialogues, histories, stories, novels, poetry, essays, scientific papers, pamphlets, book reviews, more 20,000+ letters No copyright existed, so made little money on writing Weakness of France after Louis XIV highlighted need for reform in France Twice in Bastille; lived outside of Paris, fearing arrest Candide satirized society in novel

Montesquieu : Spirit of the Laws held British constitution as wisest model Theory of separation of powers But best government depended on unique requirements of each society Deep influence over James Madison, writer of US Constitution

Rousseau Man is a “noble savage” corrupted by civilization, especially via unequal distri- bution of wealth 1762: The Social Contract: government responds to people’s will (directly, at best) Questioned correctness of private property and attacked economic inequality: foundations of socialism Influenced American and French revolutions: political empowerment of the people