European expansion and cultural relativism

A military encounter between a Dutch masted sailing ship and Spanish galleys, 1602.

European expansion and cultural relativism

A representation of a 16th century encounter betweenSpanish Conquistadors and native Americans.

European expansion and cultural relativism

• Michel de Montaigne 1533 – 1592

European expansion and cultural relativism

• Michel de Montaigne 1533 – 1592

• Essays ‘Of Cannibals’ and ‘Of Custom’ introduced Europeans to notion of cultural relativism

European expansion and cultural relativism

• Michel de Montaigne 1533 – 1592

• Essays ‘Of Cannibals’ and ‘Of Custom’ introduced Europeans to notion of cultural relativism

• “the laws of conscience, which we say are born of nature, are in effect, born on custom”

Adam Smith 1723-1790• 18th century Britain the most

advanced capitalist country on earth

Adam Smith 1723-1790• 18th century Britain the most

advanced capitalist country on earth

• Smith developed Locke’s view that governments should promote the happiness and fulfilment of their citizens

Adam Smith 1723-1790• 18th century Britain the most

advanced capitalist country on earth

• Smith developed Locke’s view that governments should promote the happiness and fulfilment of their citizens

• Founder of laissez-faire economics: let self-interest of consumers direct the expansion of the market

Adam Smith 1723-1790• 18th century Britain the most

advanced capitalist country on earth

• Smith developed Locke’s view that governments should promote the happiness and fulfilment of their citizens

• Founder of laissez-faire economics: let self-interest of consumers direct the expansion of the market

• Enlightenment faith in free markets still strong today despite poverty and inequality

Baron Montesquieu 1689–1755• No single form of government can

be applied in every case; e.g. regional conditions may not be right for democracy

Baron Montesquieu 1689–1755• No single form of government can

be applied in every case; e.g. regional conditions may not be right for democracy

• “Liberty does not consist in unlimited freedom; Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit”

Baron Montesquieu 1689–1755• No single form of government can

be applied in every case; e.g. regional conditions may not be right for democracy

• “Liberty does not consist in unlimited freedom; Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit”

• The executive, the legislative, and the judiciary should not be held by the same person or institution

Baron Montesquieu 1689–1755• No single form of government can be

applied in every case; e.g. regional conditions may not be right for democracy

• “Liberty does not consist in unlimited freedom; Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit”

• The executive, the legislative, and the judiciary should not be held by the same person or institution

• Separated centres of power should check and balance each other: “Power should be a check to power”

• Influenced development of American constitution