1. Mr. Hardy Randolph Middle School 2015
The Enlightenment
Mr. Hardy
Randolph Middle School
2015

2. The Beginning of the Enlightenment
: European scientists using reason to discover laws of nature
Very successful: Planetary movements, chemistry, vaccine for smallpox, etc.
Early 1700’s: If people used reason to find laws that governed the physical world, why not use reason to discover natural laws?
Laws that govern human nature
Reformers begin studying human nature and societal problems

3. Major Enlightenment Ideas
Every social, political and economic problem could be solved through the use of reason
Governments are created to secure an orderly society
Separation of powers is the best way to protect human liberties
All men are created “free and equal”
A free market should be allowed to regulate trade

4. Major Enlightenment Ideas #2
Natural Rights: a right that cannot be taken away, denied, or transferred
State of Nature: in an uncivilized or uncultured condition.
Social Contract: an agreement between the people and the government that makes decisions that effect those people

5. The Spread of the Enlightenment

6. Enlightenment Thinkers
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes

7. Social Contract Thomas Hobbes John Locke
Humans are naturally cruel, greedy and selfish.
To escape this “brutish” life people entered into a social contract.
Only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society.
Believed only an absolute monarchy could keep a society completely orderly.
Humans are naturally reasonable, moral and good
Humans have natural rights: life liberty and property
People form governments to protect natural rights
Best government was one with limited power
If a government violates people’s natural rights, people have the right to overthrow government

8. Jean Jacques Rousseau believed politics and morality are not separate
he is considered an opponent of the Enlightenments emphasis on reason
rely more on instinct and emotion
government is a contract between the ruler and citizens
wrote The Social Contract

9. Rousseau “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.”
Rousseau’s ideas are very similar to Locke’s, but Rousseau believed that the General Will was more important than the rights of individuals.
General Will means the same thing as majority rule.
Rousseau believed in a state on nature, all men are free and happy.
The only purpose of government is to protect the General Will.
People give up all their rights to the government, in order for the government to protect the General Will
Rousseau was a Catholic who converted to Calvinism and favored religious tolerance for all religions.

10. Enlightenment and the Economy
Physiocrats were Enlightenment
thinkers who focused on economic reforms
Laissez-Faire: allowing business to operate with little or no government interference

11. Activity LABEL! Label your body biography with the philosopher’s name
Complete the Body Biography Activity on either Locke, Rousseau, or Hobbes. You pick!
GLUE IT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK!
Heart- The area where your philosopher’s heart would show their view on religion.
Right Hand- should illustrate actions and accomplishments OR what they contributed to history
Left Hand- should contain the type of government they thought was best
Brain- his belief about the nature of man
Left Leg- This should illustrate their view on the “Social Contract.”
Right Leg- how do they influence today’s society?
Color - Colors are often symbolic. What color(s) do you most associate with your philosopher? Why? How can you effectively weave these colors into your presentation?
Symbols - What objects can you associate with your philosopher? Choose objects that especially seem to correspond with the philosopher.
LABEL! Label your body biography with the philosopher’s name

12. The Enlightenment Day #2
Mr. Hardy Randolph Middle School

13. Enlightenment and Society
Detested the slave trade and slavery
Deplored religious prejudice
Defended freedom of speech
Attacked divine right theory
Urged education for all
Hated unequal distribution of property
Believed governments should be freely elected
Women’s first duty was to her family

14. Enlightenment Changes Society
Women: Women were not equal and were criticized for attempting to gain equality
Salons: Gatherings to discuss ideas
Music: Ballets and operas become popular
Art: Baroque gives way to rococo art
(simple, elegant and charming)
Literature: Novels become popular

15. Enlightenment Changes Society
Majority/Lower Class/Peasants: Slow to change and hurt the worst
Some peasants become eager for change, some resist change completely

16. Criticized absolute monarchy and admired British government
Baron de Montesquieu:
Criticized absolute monarchy and admired British government
British protected themselves from tyranny by dividing powers of government between three branches: legislative, executive and judicial (misconception)
Each branch of government should be able to ‘check’ the other two
What government does this sound like?

17. Voltaire Advocated freedom of thought, speech, politics, and religion.
Against the Roman Catholic church and Christianity- religious tolerance
He was imprisoned in the Bastille in Paris and exiled because of his attacks on the French government and the Catholic Church.

18. Voltaire
“I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Voltaire???
Wanted freedom of religion for everyone.
Detested Christian hypocrisy.
Hated the French Monarchy and the Catholic Church for their absolute rule.
Praised the British government for their limited monarchy and protection of civil liberties.
Exiled for his criticism of the French Government and Catholic Church.

19. Mary Wolstonecraft disagreed with societies treatment of women
believed marriage was particularly unfair to women
advocated equal education for women and men
wrote Vindication of the Rights of Women
believed that both sexes could contribute equally to society

20. Cesare Beccaria
Born in Milan, Italy in 1738 in to an aristocratic family.
Wrote “On Crimes and Punishments”, published in 1764
His main points were:
The punishment should fit the crime.
No cruel or unusual punishment.
The death penalty is unjust.

21. Immanuel Kant
Born in Prussia in 1724, Kant’s family was a working class family of devout Lutherans.
Educated in a Lutheran school, learned Latin, physics and math.
Very influenced by Isaac Newton.
1740 he enrolled in the University of Königsberg, received his degree in 1755!
Considered the greatest philosopher of the Enlightenment.

22. Immanuel Kant Moral Philosophy – admired Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Philosophy cannot be like mathematics. Mathematics is clear and precise and without morals. Philosophy is not systematic, but must have moral order.
Individuals must be free to think for themselves, and use reason and experience together.

23. Activity
Complete the Philosopher’s Chart. Write in complete sentences.
Your icon should be no bigger than the box provided and should symbolize the thoughts of that philosopher.
Your icon must be in color.
*Glue into your notebook when you are done!