Enlightenment and Absolutism Philosophy in the Age of Reason

Thomas Hobbes ► Publications – Leviathan ► Views on Human Nature – cruel & greedy (if not controlled, people would fight one another)

Thomas Hobbes (Views on Government) ► Social Contract – gave up state of nature (no rules) for an organized society (an agreement between people and government) ► Best government – absolute monarch (ensure order/control)

John Locke ► Publications – Two Treatises of Government ► Views on Human Nature – reasonable and moral/natural rights (life, liberty, and property)

John Locke (Views on Government) ► Rejected absolute monarchs (monarchs are not chosen by God) ► Social Contract – give up nature and government will protect your rights (life, liberty, and property) ► If the government fails, you have the right to overthrow the government ► People give government the power to exist

Jacques Rousseau ► Publications – Social Contract ► Views on Human Nature – happy and possess natural rights

Jacques Rousseau (Views on Government) ► Social Contract – give up nature so that the government can enforce the will of the majority (General Will – will of the majority)

Montesquieu ► Publications – Spirit of the Laws ► Views on Government – 3 branches of government (separation of powers) and checks and balances

Voltaire ► Views on Government 1. Freedom of speech 2. Religious tolerance 2. Religious tolerance 3. Separation of 3. Separation of church and state church and state

Thomas Jefferson ► Publication – Declaration of Independence ► Views on Government – based on Locke’s ideas  natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)

Enlightenment and Technology ► The Age of Reason witnessed inventions and innovations in technology that stimulated trade and transportation

Enlightenment and Technology ► All-weather roads improved year- round transport and trade. ► New designs in farm tools increased productivity (agricultural revolution). ► Improvements in ship design lowered the cost of transport

Enlightenment and Art ► The Enlightenment brought a new emphasis on the order and balance in the arts as artists borrowed heavily from classical Greece and Rome. ► New forms of literature were established.

Art and Literature of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries New forms of art and literature ► Paintings showed classical subjects, public events, natural scenes, and living people (portraits). ► New forms of literature developed—the novel (e.g., Cervantes’ Don Quixote).

Art and Literature of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries Representative artists, philosophers, and writers ► Johann Sebastian Bach— Composer ► Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart— Composer ► Eugène Delacroix—Painter ► Miguel de Cervantes—Novelist