New Views on Society Enlightenment Thinkers

Voltaire Outspoken French philosopher (philosophe) Francois Marie Arouet Attacked society’s injustices (nobility, government, church) Imprisoned twice, exiled to England (2 yrs.)

Voltaire’s Candide Helpful Hints: ***auto-da-fe: ritual of penance for condemned heretics, usually executed afterward ***Universities controlled by the church Questions to Keep in Mind: What action did Portuguese leaders believe would save the country from further devastation? How does the phrase “entertain the people with an auto-da- fe” reveal Voltaire’s disdain for Portuguese leaders?

Voltaire’s Candide After the earthquake, which had destroyed ¾ of the city of Lisbon, the sages of that country could think of no means more effectual to preserve the kingdom from utter ruin than to entertain the people with an auto-da-fe, it having been decided by the University of Coimbra, that the burning of a few people alive by a slow fire, and with great ceremony, is an infallible preventive of earthquakes.

Voltaire’s Candide What action did Portuguese leaders believe would save the country from further devastation? How does the phrase “entertain the people with an auto-da-fe” reveal Voltaire’s disdain for Portuguese leaders?

Diderot French philosophe Wrote Encyclopedia 35 volumes explaining new ideas about art, science, government, and religion to promote knowledge (many contributors) Criticized the church, government, and legal system: completed in secret Helped spread Enlightenment ideas across Europe to North America “Change the way people think”

Mary Wollstonecraft (England) Most Enlightenment thinkers->traditional beliefs about women Proper roles: wives/mothers A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792) Demanded equal rights for women If men and women had equal education, would be equal in society

Does Gender Inequality Still Exist? _Table8.pdf

Adam Smith (Scotland) Used reason to analyze economic systems The Wealth of nations (1776) Business activities should take place in a free market Laissez-faire economics: “leave alone” works without government regulation Allow market forces of supply&demand to regulate economy