1. Enlightenment: The Age of Reason
World Studies
October 21

2. I. Definition
The Scientific Revolution showed that the universe follows natural laws
Isaac Newton developed the laws of gravity
The Enlightenment was the search for the natural laws that govern man and society
A revolution of thinking and use of reason
Rene Descartes emphasized the use of reason in his book Discourse on Method
“I think therefore I am”

3. II. Contrasting Opinions
Hobbes and Locke were important to the beginning of the Enlightenment
Had very differing opinions on the nature of man and government
Hobbes: people are evil and can’t be trusted to behave; enter into a social contract through which they give up rights for order
Locke: people are good and have inalienable rights that cannot be violated by the gov’t
Locke’s opinions appealed to many who were struggling under absolute rulers

4. Hobbes and Locke

5. III. Montesquieu
An important French thinker; studied many different types of government and published his opinions in 1748
Separation of powers (checks and balances) was necessary to prevent the government from violating people’s rights
Britain’s limited monarchy was good because the monarch was checked by Parliament

6. IV. Philosophes
Voltaire was a French thinker who believed in the Freedom of Speech
Spoke out against government corruption and religious prejudice
Was jailed several times as a result
“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”

7. Voltaire

8. Rousseau wrote The Social Contract (1762)
Diderot worked for 25 years to collect articles for his Encyclopedia, finished 1751
Mostly new ideas on government and religion
Anti-absolutism, anti-slavery, pro-education, pro-freedom of speech
Both Church and government tried to ban it
Rousseau wrote The Social Contract (1762)
Felt governments must be elected and must put very few restrictions on people
People are good and will do what is best for the community
Unequal distribution of wealth is a societal evil that keeps this from working

9. V. Women
Philosophes believed women have natural rights, but are more like children than men
Natural place is in the home
Mary Wollstonecraft agreed that women’s first duty was to family
But also believed that girls should be as educated as boys
Wrote her theory in A Vindication of the Rights of Women
Women should be allowed to think for themselves, not entirely depend on their husbands

10. Madame Geoffrin was one of the most influential salon hostesses

11. VI. Physiocrats
Physiocrats believed natural laws guide economic systems
Adam Smith believed in laissez faire or that the government should not interfere with business
Free market: if there is demand for goods, then suppliers will meet it
Prices will set themselves; the most consumers will pay while still selling all goods
Wrote his ideas in his book The Wealth of Nations