1. Objective: Explain how the ideas from the Enlightenment impacted social, political, and economic systems and institutions.

2.  The use of reason that had characterized the scientific revolution greatly influenced political thinkers. (CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC)  Intellectuals, especially in England and France, began to question traditional beliefs about government and laws and to promote new theories of government based on the natural rights of human beings.  Their “enlightened” ideas called into question not only the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, but the authority of monarchs as well.

3.  Thomas Hobbes

4.   1600s  Thomas Hobbes  Argued people were selfish  Because of selfish nature, people needed a strong government to maintain law and order. English Thinkers

5.   What are Hobbes’ thoughts on human nature? Partner Question

6.   Wrote that to achieve a strong government, people had to agree to sacrifice the right to do whatever they wished in exchange for peace and security.  He called this agreement between people and their government the social contract.  Hobbes believed the best form of government was one ruled by an absolute monarch. English Thinkers

7.   What is the social contract according to Hobbes?  What is the best form of government according to Hobbes? Partner Questions

8.  John Locke

9.   1600s  John Locke  Also wrote about the social contract.  Believed an absolute monarchy was not necessary to maintain law and order.  Felt the people were basically good and capable of governing themselves.  Locke stated people were born with certain natural rights: the rights to life, liberty, and property. English Thinkers

10.   What are Locke’s thoughts on human nature?  List Locke’s natural rights. Partner Question

11.   Believe in ancient times, all humans not only enjoyed these rights, they also governed themselves.  As societies became larger and more complex, they set up governments as efficient means of protecting natural rights.  According to Locke, the most important part of the social contract is a government’s obligation to protect the rights of the governed (natural rights).  This new thought process led Locke to a new and revolutionary idea—if a government did not protect the rights of its people (Democracy), the people had the right to overthrow that government and create a new one. English Thinkers

12.   What is the social contract according to Locke?  What is the best form of government according to Locke? Partner Questions

13.   What are the implications [inferences] of Locke’s ideas, particularly, his take on the social contact theory?  [Hint: Many governments of Europe at this time are Absolute Monarchies.] Partner Question

14.   Entry #4  9/24/14  Analyze Thomas Hobbes’ ideas and John Locke’s ideas- human nature, social contract, and best form of government. Journal Entry