1. Observing the world and its people
The Enlightenment
Observing the world and its people

2. English Intellectuals
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke
Big Idea: humans are selfish and wicked
Humans need to hand over some rights to government (Social Contract)
Without government, there will be constant war
Government needs total power
Big Idea: people are good and can use reasoning to improve themselves
Natural Rights- life, liberty, and property
Government must protect these rights or be overthrown
Government by people’s consent

3. Philosophes Voltaire Montesquieu
Focused on tolerance and the freedom of speech and religion
Famous quote, “I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Government needs to have a separation of power
Checks and balances
Think of how the US government works

4. Philosophes (continued)
Rousseau
Beccaria
People are naturally good, but civilization corrupts them
Direct democracy=best
The Social Contract- free individuals create a society and government
All people are equal
There should be no torture
People have the right to a speedy trial
Laws are to: preserve social order and not to avenge crimes
Different punishments for different crimes

5. More Philosophes Mary Wollstonecraft Adam Smith
A Vindication of the Rights of Women
Believed: Women had natural rights, they should be educated, own business, pursue professional careers, and vote
Women’s rights
Father of Economics
Invisible hand- economies will maintain themselves through competition, supply and demand, and self-interest
Capitalism-people, rather than the government, controls trade and industry
 try to make a profit

6. Assignment
Groups of 4
You will find songs/song lyrics that match the ideas of the 8 intellectuals
Look on quia for this PowerPoint for help
Each group will:
1. Find a song that connects to one of the philosopher’s ideas
2. Tell me exactly what lyrics connect to the ideas
3. Explain the meaning of the lyrics and how it connects
4. All 8 philosophers will be covered in your group
5. Present your songs/research to the class

7. Example: Adam Smith and Capitalism Song: “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan
Lyrics: “Cash rules everything around me C.R.E.A.M., get the money dollar dollar bill, y’all”
Analysis: The song “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan represents Adam Smith’s view on the economy because it tells of a story of how people strive so hard and struggle to make money to make a living. The lyrics “cash rules everything around me” connects with the idea of capitalism because people own the means of trade and industry, so the US can be viewed as a country who heavily focuses on making money.