The Enlightenment Thinkers

The Age of Reason

Scholars began to challenge long held beliefs about science, religion, and government.

Thinkers were inspired by Galileo and Newton.

The method of observation and logic is used to approach problems of human life.

Ideas based on rational thought and understanding.

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment

In France, thinkers called philosophes (or “philosophers”) would gather in informal meetings called salons.

There, they would exchange and debate ideas.

Enlightenment thinkers wanted to learn more about human life using these questions:

1) What natural law governs the way people should live? 2) How well do our institutions agree with natural law? 3) Does natural law give all people certain rights? 4) What is the best form of government?

The Basic Questions

Philosophers

Philosophers did not always agree about the answers to these questions.

Some supported absolute rule by the king.

Others argued that the people should have a say in their own government.

They all shared a trust in reason and

observation as the best way of

understanding and progress.

The Five Thinkers

John Locke

Baron de Montesquieu

Voltaire

Cesare Beccaria

Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes

His Question: What is the basis of social order?

His Observation: Human beings are naturally cruel, selfish, and greedy.

In 1651, he published a book called Leviathan. He wrote that people are driven by a restless desire for power. Without laws or other social controls, people would always be in conflict.

Absolute Rule by Kings

Governments are created to protect people from their own selfishness.

People are selfish by nature and can’t be trusted to make decisions that were good for society as a whole.

Thomas Hobbes

John Locke

His Observation: He denied the divine right of kings to rule.

In 1690, he published Two Treatises of Government. His book justified a strong parliament which protects human rights.

He argues that the purpose of government is to protect people’s natural rights.

These rights include the right to life, liberty, and property.

Natural Rights

In exchange for rights, people give the government the power to make and enforce laws.

The true basis of government is a social contract (or agreement), among free people.

His theory is that a government’s authority is based on the consent of the people. If the government fails to respect people’s rights, it can be overthrown.

John Locke

Baron de Montesquieu His Observation: Too much

power in the hands of any one person or group will lead to tyranny.

French author, in 1748, he published The Spirit of Laws.

He argues that the best way to protect human rights is to divide power among three branches of government.

Each branch of government checks (limits) the power of the others.

Separation of Powers

The Three Branches of Government

1) Legislative branch – makes the laws; Congress

2) Executive branch – enforces the laws; President

3) Judicial branch – interprets the laws; Supreme Court

Baron de Montesquieu

Voltaire

His Observation: Freedom of thought and expression is the only way to fight oppression.

He was a French writer and participant in Paris salons.

He supported religious tolerance – allowing people to believe in religion in their own way.

Strong supporter of free speech.

“I disapprove of what you say,

but I will defend to the death

your right to say it”.

Cesare Beccaria

His Observation: He studied criminology, the scientific study of crime and punishment.

He objected to the harsh practices that were common in his day and called for changes in criminal law to protect the rights of the accused.

Torture was common and people found guilty of crimes were often sentenced to death.

“Punishment should fit the

seriousness of the crime”.

On Crimes and Punishments He argued that laws exist to preserve society and order and that

punishment does not have to be brutal.

A person accused of a crime should receive a fair and speedy trial.

Torture should never be used.

Capital punishment (putting someone to death) should never be used.

Punishment should fit the seriousness

of the crime.

Cesare Beccaria

Women of the Enlightenment

Enlightenment thinking influenced many throughout Europe and inspired revolutions in America and France.

Although women of the 1700s did not have the same rights or status as men, there were a small few who played an important role by helping to spread ideas about rights and equality for women.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1792), wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women arguing for equality and education rights for women.

Abigail

Adams

Mary Wollstonecraft

Madame Geoffrin