1. Quick Dicussion
The Scientific Revolution brought about change in the way people viewed things. Scholars, philosophers, scientists and the like began to challenge accepted ways of thinking. These challenges were not widely popular and were highly opposed by the Church and absolute authority.
Why might people have difficulty accepting new ideas or ways of thinking?
What are some risks of embracing a different idea? What are some risks of always refusing to do so?
Give an example when a new idea was introduced to you and how did you respond to it, or give an example when a new idea was introduced to society and what was the response.

2. The Enlightenment
mid-1700s
Chapter 6 Pages

3. Enlightenment
A new intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems.
Age of Reason
Reached its height in the mid-1700s.
It started from some key ideas put forth by two English political thinkers of the 1600s.
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke

4. Thomas Hobbes’ Social Contract
People were naturally selfish and wicked.
Without government every man would be at war with every man.
People must hand over their rights to a strong ruler in exchange for law and order.
Absolute Monarchs can do the job.

5. John Locke’s Natural Rights
People had the natural ability to govern their own affairs and to look after the welfare of society.
Self-government
All people are born free with three natural rights:
Life, Liberty, and Property.

6. Hobbes and Locke
Compare and Contrast the ideas of these English philosophers.
Who would most likely agree with our society and government today, Hobbes or Locke? Why? Explain and give an example.

7. Philosophes Advocate Reason
The Enlightenment reached its height in France in the mid- 1700s.
Philosophes would meet and discuss politics and ideas.
Five concepts formed the core of their beliefs:
Reason
Nature
Happiness
Progress
Liberty