Age of Enlightenment How did the Enlightenment lead to the rejection and reform of absolute monarchies?

The Big Picture Late 1600s – 1700s Roots date back to Renaissance Direct result of Scientific Rev. Application of scientific methods could explain the laws of society and human nature Believed they could solve all problems and create a better society

Major Ideas from the Enlightenment •Social Contract-An agreement among the members of an organized society or between the governed and the government defining and limiting the rights and duties of each. •Natural Rights-theory that individuals have basic rights given to them by nature or God that no individual or government can deny. •Consent of the governed-the authority of a government should depend on the consent of the people, as expressed by votes in elections. •Rule of Law-government by law : adherence to due process of law. •Limited Government-a type of government in which its functions and powers are prescribed, limited, and restricted by law. •Separation of Powers-allocation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers among the three branches of government •Freedom of Religion-to practice one's religion or exercise one's beliefs without intervention by the government and to be free of the exercise of authority by a church through the government •Freedom of Speech-the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of governmentrestrictionsbasedoncontentandsubjectonlytoreasonablelimitations

Key Ideas of Enlightenment Reason Nature and Natural laws Humans should rely on reason to improve society. Natural laws regulate both the universe and human society. Can be discovered by human reason.

Key Ideas of Enlightenment Progress Believed in social progress Discovery of laws of economics and government would improve society and make progress inevitable.

Key Ideas of Enlightenment Wanted to remove limitations on human liberty. Inalienable / natural rights Advocated full religious tolerance Key Ideas of Enlightenment Liberty Toleration

Enlightenment Forerunners Isaac Newton (1642 – 1727) Newton discoveries prove the power of the mind Proved mechanical and mathematical patterns in the physical world. Avoid metaphysics (abstract) and supernaturalism

Enlightenment Forerunners State of nature = man corrupt, unhappy, selfish Solution = absolute monarchy Social Contract – people gave up freedoms for organized society Enlightenment Forerunners Thomas Hobbes 1588 - 1679

Enlightenment Forerunners John Locke (1632-1704) People reasonable and moral Natural rights: life, liberty, and property Gov’ts duty was to protect people’s natural rights Best gov’t was a limited one People could overthrow gov’ts that failed to protect rights Inspired the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence

Enlightenment Audience Intellectual elite Small fraction of society, (aristocracy and wealthy middle class)

Enlightenment Hotspot France French international language of the educated class Wealthiest and most populous country at the time Cultural center

Who were the philosophes? French term used to describe the thinkers of the age. Often literary figures, economists, historians, etc. Held the key beliefs of the Enlightenment

Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) Advocate for the separation of powers Executive legislative Judicial Promoted Checks and balances Protects the rights and preserves freedoms Ideas influenced the Constitution

Voltaire (1694-1778) Challenged R.C.C. Argued for religious tolerance Criticized France’s government Believed in freedom of speech - Legacy can be seen in our First Amendment Voltaire (1694-1778)

Denis Diderot (1713-1784) Compiled the Encyclopedia – writing / ideas of Enlightenment thinkers Spread Enlightenment thinking Secularized learning Knowledge organized in systematic and scientific fashion

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) People are naturally good BUT corrupted by the evils of society Believed that due to social inequalities people enter into a social contract and surrender their rights to the will of the majority (general will) Promoted a limited and freely elected gov’t

Economic thinkers in 18th century France Developed first complete system of economics Looked to natural laws to define a rational economic system Who were the physiocrats?

Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish Advocate of laissez-faire economics (gov’t hands-off approach) Wrote Wealth of Nations Outlined capitalism Invisible hand of supply, demand, and competition works in the best interest of everyone Adam Smith (1723-1790)