The Enlightenm

entPhilosophers

The Enlightenment• European movement (1600-1700’s) in

which thinkers attempted to apply the principles of reason and the scientific method to all aspects of society.– AKA “The Age of Reason”

• Characteristics:– Applied reason to the human world

(governments, laws, economies) not just the natural world (science).

– Led to religious tolerance– Led to democratic revolutions

English Philosophers

Thomas HobbesThomas Hobbes

– 1588-1679– English philosopher– Social Contract

• Lived through the English Civil War and thought it showed how terrible man could be

• Said people must have a strong king to control their worst instincts and that people must give that king certain freedoms in exchange for order.

• He called this exchange of freedom for order a SOCIAL CONTRACT

Thomas Hobbes Cont.• Beliefs:

– Natural state of man is war/competition, not cooperation

– Strong central government needed to keep order• Supported Absolute Monarchy (rule of a

strong king/queen)– Supported a social contract (Agreement

between the government and the governed)

John Locke• Famous Work: Two Treatises on Government • Beliefs:

– Government’s power comes from the people.– Government’s job is to protect people and their rights.

• Did NOT support Absolute Monarchy– People are born free and equal with three Natural Rights:

• Life• Liberty• Property

– Greatly inspired Thomas Jefferson’s writing of the Declaration of Independence.

French “Philosophes”

Baron de Montesquieu • Famous Work: The Spirit of

Laws• Beliefs:

– Government should include separation of powers:• Legislative Branch – Makes

laws• Executive Branch –

Enforces laws• Judicial Branch – Interprets

laws

Separation of Power

Jean Jacques Rousseau• Famous Work: The Social Contract• Beliefs:

– Government is a contract between people and their rulers.

– Rulers are elected by the people, and all people are equal.

– People must agree to give government some authority in exchange for protection of their rights.

Voltaire• Famous Work: Candide• Beliefs:

– Religious tolerance and freedom of religion – 1st Amendment to U.S. Constitution

– Separation of church and state (government) – U.S. Constitution

– Freedom of speech - 1st Amendment to U.S. Constitution

The Enlightenment• Philosophies of the enlightenment

fueled revolutions in the Americas and France