EnlightenmentThe Enlightenment was "Mankind's final coming of age, the emancipation of the human
consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error." Influenced by Scientific Revolution
Before superstition explained everything
Science to understand Natural WorldGravity, Chemistry, Medicine
Characteristics1. Cause and effect for everything2. Rationalism
Truth through reason "Age of Reason"
3. Natural laws Deism
If Science can help explain world( physical laws)
Why not use them to discover Natural Lawslaws that govern human nature
Every social, political, and economic problem could be solved through the use of Science and reason.
Who has a say in social, political, and economic?
First Enlightened thinkers• Thomas Hobbes wrote book called Leviathan• People lived in anarchy• Humans are naturally cruel, greedy and
selfish.• To escape this “brutish” life people
entered into a social contract.• Only a powerful government could
ensure an orderly society.• Believed only an ABSOLUTE MONARCHY
could keep a society completely orderly.• In turn people give up control to protect
life
John Locke• Humans are naturally reasonable, moral and
good• Humans have natural rights: life liberty and
property• People form governments to protect natural
rights• LIFE LIBERTY and ESTATES• Best government was one with limited power
• If a government violates people’s natural rights, people have the right to overthrow government!!!
Ideas explode in France (Absolute Monarchy)
Philosophes - Value reason, nature, happiness, progress, liberty
Critics of the world
Wrote ideas and thoughts downDenis Diderot“From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.”
EncyclopediaReference on enlighten ideasfrom slavery, torture, war ect.Spread Ideas across the Europe
Salonsplace to be critic of world powers
Baron de Montesquieu –Power should be a check on power
Anti Divine Right – liked Britain's government
Perfect government through natural laws3 branches of Government
1. Legislative2. Executive3. Judicial
Branches based on Checks and Balances
Voltaire“It is dangerous to be rightwhen the government is wrong.”Used SatirePrison timefought against intolerance and injustice
mostly religious and government
"Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too."
”Judge a person by their questions not their answers”
Jean Jacques Rousseau
History repeats itself in societies
Social Contract
people born good
Environment makes them bad (professions and Private property) “Man is born free and everywhereHe is in Chains”“General Will” –traces of all citizens will (Direct Democracy)
To maintain good = people must control and choose government
POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY
• Cesare Bonesana Beccaria • Laws = social order
• Not revenge
• Speedy trial, justice not torture
• Degree of punishment based on seriousness of crime
• “Happy is the nation without a history”
Women and the Enlightenment
• Philosophes against much of their day but agreed on the role of women
• Women’s job to stay home and take care of house and family!!!
• Some fought for more improved status
Mary Astell
•Lack of education for women
•Lack of equality in marriage
•“If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?”
Mary Wollstonecraft
Women need education to become virtuous and useful
Women should enter into the fields of medicine and politics“Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will quickly become good wives; - that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers.”
Philosophes try to make world better1.Belief in Progress2.Secular world view (some wanted tolerance?)3.Importance of individual
Hate absolutism and Religion as practice in the day
All three have impact on their time and today!!!!
"Dare to know! Have courage to use your own reason!” Immaneul Kant