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