Chapter 6 Section 2The Enlightenment in Europe

Two Views on Government

Thomas Hobbes› English Civil War= All people naturally

selfish and wicked= need government to keep order’

› Leviathan- Sea Monster need strong ruler to keep citizens under control= absolute monarchy

› Social Contract-the agreement by which people define and limit their individual rights, thus creating an organized society or government.

Two Views on Government

John Locke› Saw people as reasonable beings who could look

after their own affairs and the welfare of society› Criticized absolute monarchy and favored self-

government› People are born free and equal with natural rights

of life liberty and property› Government’s job is to protect these rights- If a

government fails people have the right to overthrow that government.

› Power comes from the consent of the people=foundation of modern democracy.

The Philosophes Advocate Reason

Philosophes› French word for philosophers.› Believed people could apply reason to all

aspects of life› 5 core concepts

1. Reason 2. Nature 3. Happiness 4. Progress 5. Liberty

› Paris was the center of discussion of politics and ideas.

Philosophes advocate reason

Voltaire› Francois Marie Arouet› Used satire against his opponents› Sent to prison twice and exiled to England› Fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of

religious belief, and freedom of speech. › “ I do not agree with a word you say, but

will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Philosophes advocate reason

Montesquieu› Believed Britain was the best governed

and most balanced country› Separation of powers› Philosophes advocate reason› On the Spirit of Laws› “Power should be a check to power.”

Checks and balances

Philosophes advocate reason Rousseau

› Son of a poor Swiss watchmaker got fame by writing essays

› Disagreed with other Philosophes on a lot of matters

› Thought civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness

› Only good government is one formed by the people and guided by the “general will”= direct democracy

› The Social Contract Agreement among free individuals to create

society and government All people are equal and titles should be abolished

Philosophes advocate reason Beccaria

› Believed laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes

› Person should have a speedy trial, and torture should never be used.

› Degree of punishment should be based on the seriousness of the crime.

› Didn’t believe in capital punishment› Govt. should seek the greatest good for

the greatest number of people

Women and the Enlightenment

Many male Philosophes still had a traditional view of women

Mary Astell- A Serious Proposal to the Ladies › Lack of education for women, and unequal status

Mary Wollstonecraft › A vindication of the Rights of Women› Women need an education to be virtuous and

useful› Urged women to enter male dominated fields like

medicine and politics.

Which Philosophe /Philosophy do you agree with the most? Why?

Which Philosophy has had the biggest impact on your life?