The Enlightenment

Enlightenment Goals and Values Religious toleration rationalism equal rights under the law freedom of expression education against irrational militarism reason virtue happiness

Voltaire ( ) Spent time in prison for offending authorities Admired English intellectual and political freedom Popularized Newton Used satire to criticize evils of Europe Candide attacked war, religious persecution and complacency.

1762: French Huguenot, Jean Calas is executed for allegedly executing his son for converting to Catholicism 1763: Voltaire publishes Treatise on Toleration 1765: Voltaire’s efforts get the decision reversed.

Montesquieu ( ) Wrote The Spirit of the Laws which used empirical evidence to argue that laws should reflect the conditions of society Was against absolutism Promoted the idea of constitutional limitations and checks and balances

Jean-Jacques Rousseau ( ) Discourse on the Moral Effects of the Arts and Sciences said civilization and enlightenment corrupted human nature. Blamed evil on economic inequality The Social Contract argued that individuals should work for the greater good and obey the will of the majority.

Adam Smith ( ) An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations argued against mercantilism. Believed in exploiting natural resources for the benefit of mankind Regarded as the founder of laissez-faire economics.

Mary Wollstonecraft ( ) Wrote a Vindication of the Rights of Woman Criticized Rousseau and others for their narrow views of women’s roles Thought women should have good education and intellectual liberty.

The Encyclopedia Written and edited primarily by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert but over 100 others contributed, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu First volume in 1751 and final total. Faced censorship Included many diverse topics Sought to secularize learning and looked to pre- Christian times for standards