Enlightenment “Age of Reason”

Thesis Individuals used the proven problem solving methods from the Scientific Revolution to discover similar truths about politics.

Rene Descartes France Philosophy Discourse on Method "I think therefore I am“ Search for "Truth" Rationalism

Sir Francis Bacon Great Britain Philosophy Observation and ideas based on thorough investigation of the evidence Scientific Method

The Scientific Method Song: State the problem Make a prediction Experiment, Experiment Record Observations, Record Observations Form a conclusion, Form a conclusion *Sung to the tune of Fere Jacques

Thomas Hobbes English political thinker Wrote the Leviathan Stated that ◦ Humans cannot be trusted ◦ Powerful governments are needed to keep people safe. ◦ Humans enter into a social contract with society in order to be kept safe. ◦ Government should control the people.

John Locke English political thinker Wrote Two Treatises on Government Stated that ◦ Government is created to protect a person’s natural rights ◦ Every human has the rights to life, liberty and property ◦ If a government fails to protect a person’s natural rights, the government can be overthrown ◦ People should control the government.

Baron de Montesquieu French political thinker Wrote The Spirit of the Laws Stated that ◦ Government should be separated into different branches to divide the power of government. ◦ Different governmental braches should have checks on each other to keep these branches from abusing their power.

Voltaire French political thinker Wrote many works and had to use a pseudonym to protect his life from persecution Stated that ◦ People should be free to worship as they see fit ◦ People should be able to say what they want without fear on injury

Denis Diderot French political thinker Editor of The Encyclopedia Stated…nothing ◦ His work was a collection of various Enlightenment works all in one place. ◦ This allowed the ideas of the Enlightenment to be spread.

Adam Smith Scottish economic philosopher Wrote The Wealth of Nations Stated that ◦ Government should not be involved in business or trade.  Laissez-Faire economics ◦ The market will regulate itself  The “invisible hand” The founder of capitalism

Adam Smith’s Supply & Demand Schedule

Advanced Supply & Demand

Cesare Beccaria Italian political philosopher Wrote On Crimes and Punishment Stated that ◦ The death penalty does not work at preventing crime.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau French political philosopher Wrote The Social Contract Stated that ◦ Developed the basic ideas for socialism. ◦ Socialism: The will of the majority is more important than the individual.

Mary Wollstonecraft English political philosopher Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women Stated that ◦ Women can be positive contributors to society if they are educated.

Madame de Geoffrin French political socialite Held meetings in her home to discuss Enlightenment thought. Held in salons