enlightenment “age of reason”. thesis individuals used the proven problem solving methods from...

Enlightenment“Age of Reason”

ThesisIndividuals used the proven

problem solving methods from the Scientific Revolution to discover similar truths about politics.

Rene DescartesFrance

Philosophy

Discourse on Method

"I think therefore I am“

Search for "Truth"

Rationalism

Sir Francis Bacon

Great Britain

Philosophy

Observation and ideas based on thorough investigation of the evidence

Scientific Method

The Scientific Method Song:

State the problem

Make a prediction

Experiment, Experiment

Record Observations, Record Observations

Form a conclusion, Form a conclusion

*Sung to the tune of Fere Jacques

Thomas HobbesEnglish political

thinkerWrote the LeviathanStated that

◦ Humans cannot be trusted

◦ Powerful governments are needed to keep people safe.

◦ Humans enter into a social contract with society in order to be kept safe.

◦ Government should control the people.

John LockeEnglish political thinkerWrote Two Treatises on

GovernmentStated that

◦ Government is created to protect a person’s natural rights

◦ Every human has the rights to life, liberty and property

◦ If a government fails to protect a person’s natural rights, the government can be overthrown

◦ People should control the government.

Baron de MontesquieuFrench political

thinkerWrote The Spirit of

the LawsStated that

◦ Government should be separated into different branches to divide the power of government.

◦ Different governmental braches should have checks on each other to keep these branches from abusing their power.

VoltaireFrench political

thinkerWrote many works

and had to use a pseudonym to protect his life from persecution

Stated that◦ People should be free

to worship as they see fit

◦ People should be able to say what they want without fear on injury

Denis DiderotFrench political

thinkerEditor of The

EncyclopediaStated…nothing

◦ His work was a collection of various Enlightenment works all in one place.

◦ This allowed the ideas of the Enlightenment to be spread.

Adam SmithScottish economic

philosopherWrote The Wealth of

NationsStated that

◦ Government should not be involved in business or trade. Laissez-Faire economics

◦ The market will regulate itself The “invisible hand”

The founder of capitalism

Adam Smith’s Supply & Demand Schedule

Advanced Supply & Demand

Cesare BeccariaItalian political

philosopherWrote On Crimes

and PunishmentStated that

◦ The death penalty does not work at preventing crime.

Jean-Jacques RousseauFrench political

philosopherWrote The Social

ContractStated that

◦ Developed the basic ideas for socialism.

◦ Socialism: The will of the majority is more important than the individual.

Mary WollstonecraftEnglish political

philosopherWrote A Vindication

of the Rights of Women

Stated that ◦ Women can be

positive contributors to society if they are educated.

Madame de GeoffrinFrench political socialiteHeld meetings in her home to

discuss Enlightenment thought.Held in salons