Philosophy in the Age of Reason Chapter 18 section 1 Mr. Marsh Columbus North High School

Progress and Reason Scientific Revolution convinced educated men the power of reason –If people used reason to find physical laws, why not use reason to find human laws –Natural Laws- laws that govern human nature

Hobbes and Locke

Social Contract Locke and Hobbs Optimistic view of human nature People are good and have certain natural rights –Life, liberty, and property –Governments are there to protect those rights Pessimistic view of human nature People are brutish and without laws they are out of control –Absolute freedom causes absolute destruction –Social Contract – people enter into a government for protection

Montesquieu

Separation of Powers Baron de Montesquieu Published The Spirit of the Laws in 1748 In which he discussed government through out history Loved Britain's limited Monarchy Stressed the importance of a Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches all separate from each other

The Philosophes and Society Philosophes –lovers of wisdom –Voltaire Very outspoken and targeted corrupt officials and idle aristocrats –Diderot Wrote a 28 volume Encyclopedia which attacked divine right, slavery, traditional religions and so forth –Made a lot of enemies in the French Society –Rousseau Wrote The Social Contract – government placed to many limitations on the people Some controls are necessary but should be minimal

Adam Smith

Adam Smith and Laissez Faire Adam Smith considered the Father of modern Economics Wrote the Wealth Of Nations –Argues that free market should be allowed to regulate business not the government –Mercantilism is the devil Laissez Faire –To leave alone. Let business to operate with little government intervention