The Enlightenment An Introduction

The Enlightenment A movement of intellectuals who were greatly impressed with the achievements of the Scientific Revolution, and how this could be applied to ideas about society. The Scientific Revolution was the emergence of modern science near the of the Renaissance (1600’s). Advancements in math, chemistry, physics and biology transformed how people viewed society and nature. Establishment of scientific method and use of reason (or the application of logic).

The Enlightenment Began in 17th Century Europe. Emphasized the use of reason (logic) and individualism. That the individual’s freedom is the most important aspect in society. Promotes independence and self-reliance of the individual over the nation or group.

The Enlightenment The focus on the individual during the Enlightenment was a revolutionary departure from the traditions of the past. Theocracy, autocracy, oligarchy, aristocracy, feudalism and the divine right of kings. We’ll revisit these terms in the future! Students will complete a comparative assignment later in the unit based on these terms. They first need to learn a bit more about the impacts of the Enlightenment. Just tell students to keep it in the back of their minds for now.

The Enlightenment The ideas of the Enlightenment have had a long-term major impact on the culture, politics, and governments of the Western world. Often seen as a pivotal moment in the development of the Western world.

The Enlightenment Starting in the 17th Century it was sparked by the ideas of prominent philosophers of the time. For some European intellectuals the discovery of indigenous peoples in the New World presented an image of a “natural man” who was happier than many Europeans.

The Enlightenment The firsthand accounts of European Explorers returning from their journeys in the New World, sparked new understandings in Europe in terms of how society could be structured.

The Enlightenment Ideas on the “Natural Man” “The life of savages is so simple, and our societies are such complicated machines! The Tahitian is close to the origin of the world, while European is closer to its old age… They understand nothing about our manners or our laws, and they are bound to see in them nothing but shackles disguised in a hundred different ways. Those shackles could only provoke the indignation and scorn of creatures in whom the most profound feeling is a love of liberty.” Jean Jacques Rousseau Class Discussion Opportunity: Ask: What is the central idea being expressed here by Jean Jacques Rousseau? Answer: Idea that indigenous people in the new world lived a simpler life that allowed them to be more free (in his opinion) because they seemed to be not as limited by the social structures. Ask: What does he mean by “They understand nothing about our manners or our laws, and they are bound to see in them nothing but shackles disguised in a hundred different ways”? Answer: Idea that indigenous people would look at the societies of Europe and see the rigid structure as limiting and almost as prisons.

The Enlightenment Some of the indigenous populations around the world were based more on collective or group ideals and the individual was not limited or ruled over by a strong central authority. North American Aboriginals Whereas Europe’s societies were structured within the Feudal System.

The Enlightenment Feudal System A structured system of society in which classes of people are ranked based on power and authority within the society. Those at the top had the most power and authority (and usually the highest access to wealth).

The Enlightenment Feudal System Monarch Clergy (Church) Nobles Peasants Feudal System

The Enlightenment Based on these new ideas coming from around the world many European philosophers or intellectuals began to develop theories based on: The role of government in society The nature of human beings

The Enlightenment For example, over the centuries, there have been many people who have thought, talked, and written about the three following questions: What are humans like? What is the nature of society? What is our role in society?

The Enlightenment Several of the philosophers writing during the Enlightenment that had a profound effect on shaping Western ideologies: Thomas Hobbes John Locke Jean-Jacques Rousseau Baron de Montesquieu Voltaire At this point give students the “Enlightenment Thinkers” project and explain the expectations.