“The Age of Reason”

1. Baron de Montesquieu: Created idea of separation of powers in government. 2. Enlightened Despot: A Monarch who believed in the ways of thinking and equal rights. 3. Enlightenment: new ideas which stressed equality of all and democracy. 4. Galileo Galilei: Developed Heliocentric Model. 5. Heliocentric Model: Sun is center of universe. 6. Human Nature: Man’s natural state. 7. Jean Jacques Rousseau: Believed in a “contract” between the ruler and the ruled.

8. John Locke: Humans have the right to life, liberty, and property. Natural Rights. 9. Natural Rights: the right to life, liberty, property. 10. Recant: to “take back” a belief in the eyes of the Church. 11. Rene Descartes: “I think, therefore I am”. 12. Scientific Method: Steps to take to “prove” a hypothesis. 13. Scientific Revolution: science sought “laws” which govern the physical world.

14. The Social Contract: written by Rousseau, states that men should revolt against leaders who do not protect their liberties. 15. Thomas Hobbes: Author of Leviathan. Believed man must be ruled by an absolutist. 16. Voltaire: believed in freedom of speech, freedom of religion.

 Scientists found “natural laws” which govern the world. (ex.  gravity)  Believed in facts based on OBSERVATION.  Sir Francis Bacon: Scientific Method. Prove theory based on OBSERVATION.

* Galileo’s “Heliocentric Model” based on Observation of planetary orbits. Proves theory of Copernicus. *Forced to RECANT by the Church *Writings are officially changed to deny Heliocentrism.

 Sir Isaac Newton develops 3 laws of Physics.  Sir Francis Bacon develops the “Scientific Method”  All come into conflict with the Catholic Church.

 Enlightenment Philosophers believe reason will lead to “laws” which govern the Human World the same way they govern the Scientific world.  Through Reason, all social / economic /political problems could be solved.  First questions to answer is: What is the Nature of Humans? Who are we? The Scientific Revolution leads to the “Enlightenment ”

SALONS: CENTER OF ENLIGHTENMENT THINKING

PhilosopherBelief Hobbes Locke Montesquieu Voltaire Rousseau

 Author of The Leviathan. Believes Man’s nature is evil and chaotic.  In a state of nature, life will be “brutish, nasty, and short.”  Thinks people NEED powerful absolutist leaders.

 DISAGREES WITH HOBBES  People are GOOD. Are ALL entitled to Natural Rights.  ***Life, Liberty, Property***  Need Limited Leaders who will protect those rights.

 Writes: The Spirit of Laws  Wants Limited Monarchies (Glorious Rev.)  Separation of Powers, Checks/Balances EXECUTIVE JUDICIAL LEGISLATIVE

 Defends Freedom of Speech, Religion.  Attacks Divine Right, organized Religion, Church.  ”I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

 The SOCIAL CONTRACT  “ Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.”  If Leader violates “Contract”, they must be removed.  Calls for REVOLUTION to gain rights.

PhilosopherBelief Hobbes Locke Montesquieu Voltaire Rousseau