Chapter 17

Topic: Ideas and influence of the Enlightenment What was the Enlightenment and how did the ideas from this period promote democracy?

‒ What Inspired this movement? 1. Renaissance – rebirth of Athenian knowledge (philosophers) 2. Scientific Revolution - the use of reason & logic to question all of nature’s laws 3. Glorious Rev. both was inspired by it and helped to move it forward. ‒ Enlightenment was a new movement questioning all aspects of society – government, religion, economics & education ‒ Reached its height in the late 1700’s ‒ This movement inspired two other revolutions & established democracy as we know it Ancient Societies/ Renaissance Enlightenment Scientific Revolution Declaration of the Rights of Man English Bill of Rights Declaration of Independence

‒ Philosophes believed people could apply reason to all aspects of life ‒ Philosophy centers around 5 core concepts: ‒ Reason ‒ Nature ‒ Happiness ‒ Progress ‒ Liberty

‒ All humans naturally selfish & wicked ‒ Separate government and religion ‒ Social Contract: People agree to give rights up to a strong ruler to avoid chaos ‒ Absolute Monarchy Believed in Enlightened Despot (king)

‒ Tabula Rasa- people are born with a clean slate ‒ Favored self-government ‒ Natural Rights: All people born free & equal with right to Life, Liberty, and Property ‒ Purpose of government is to protect the rights of its citizens ‒ People should over thorw gov’t if they aren’t doing their job

‒ Aristocratic Lawyer ‒ Felt it was important to Separate gov’t powers into different branches ‒ Legislative ‒ Judicial ‒ Executive ‒ Each power should check the other 2 ‒ System of Checks and Balances

‒ Fought FOR ‒ religious tolerance ‒ reason ‒ freedom of religion ‒ freedom of speech ‒ “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!” What does this mean? How do we use this idea today? Is all speech protected?

‒ Civilization corrupts people’s natural goodness  ‒ “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” ‒ Social Contract: People give up some freedom for the common good ‒ Believes in Direct Democracy

‒ French philosopher and writer ‒ Wanted to change the general way of thinking ‒ Father of the encyclopedia ‒ Denounced slavery ‒ Praised freedom of expression ‒ Urged education for all

‒ Laws exist to keep social order, NOT to avenge crimes ‒ Argued FOR speedy trials ‒ Argued AGAINST torture, cruel & unusual punishments, capital punishment (death penalty) ‒ Let punishment fit crime

‒ Women need education, just like men, to become virtuous & useful ‒ But women are still mothers 1 st ‒ Fought for Women’s rights to participate in politics ‒ Wanted Equal rights for women – ‒ Property, divorce, etc…

Method of Delivery: Encyclopedia Salons Art Music Literature

‒ Belief in progress  through reason, a better society was possible ‒ More secular outlook  questioning of religion ‒ Importance of the individual  ability to reason what is right & wrong ‒ People have the confidence that human reason can solve social problem ‒ Changed the relationship b/w the people and government