1. The Age of Reason (1620’s -1800)

2. Enlightenment = Order, reason, logic Rationalism - truth can be determined by logical thinking.

3. Laws of nature governed the universe and all its creatures.

4. Monarchy? Democracy? Theocracy?

5.  Thinkers of the Enlightenment  Examined their governments; criticized the power of kings, clergy

6.  Social Contract-exchange of liberty for group safety & social order.  Thought people needed an absolute ruler or civil war/conflict would take place.

7.  English philosopher  Natural rights of life, political equality and the ownership of property.  A government should exist to protect the peoples rights.

8. Locke’s writings influenced the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

9.  Believed in a separation of powers.  Believed in a system of checks and balances.  His ideas influenced the U.S. Constitution.

10.  Believed in personal freedoms, especially freedom of speech  “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

11. Politics, Architecture, Music, Art…