1. Enlightenment

2. Philosophy in the Age of Reason How did scientific progress promote trust in human reason? How did the social contract and separation of powers affect views on government? How did new ideas affect society and the economy? 1

3. Progress and Reason Scientific progress convinced Europeans of the power of human reason. If people used reason to find laws that governed the physical world, why not use reason to discover natural laws, or laws that governed human nature? Thus, the Scientific Revolution led to another revolution in thinking, which came to be known as the Enlightenment. Through the use of reason, people and governments could solve social, political, and economic problems. 1

4. Political Thinkers of the Enlightenment The separation of powers is the best way to protect liberty. Each branch of government should serve as a check on the others. People are basically reasonable and moral. People have certain natural rights. A government has a duty to the people it governs. If a government fails, the people have the right to overthrow it. People are naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish. People entered into a social contract, in order to live in an organized society. Only an absolute monarchy can ensure an orderly society. BARON de MONTESQUIEU JOHN LOCKE THOMAS HOBBES 1

5. The Philosophes and Society Argued that a woman should be able to decide what is in her own interest and should not be completely dependent on her husband. Called for equal education for girls and boys. Believed that people were basically good. Argued that government controls should be minimal and should only be imposed by a freely elected government. Felt the good of the community should be placed above individual interests. Defended the principle of freedom of speech. Used wit to expose abuses and corruption. Opposed the slave trade and religious prejudice. MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT ROUSSEAUVOLTAIRE Thinkers called philosophes believed that the use of reason could lead to reforms of government, law, and society. 1

6. New Economic Thinking Thinkers called physiocrats focused on economic reforms. Like the philosophes, physiocrats looked for natural laws to define a rational economic system. Physiocrats rejected mercantilism in favor of a policy called laissez faire. Laissez faire means allowing businesses to run with little or no government interference. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith argued that the free market should be allowed to regulate business activity. Smith supported laissez faire, but also believed that a government had a duty to protect society, administer justice, and provide public works. 1

7. Enlightenment Ideas Spread What roles did censorship and salons play in the spread of new ideas? How did philosophes influence enlightened despots? How did the Enlightenment affect arts and literature? Why were the lives of the majority unaffected? 2

8. The Roles of Censorship and Salons Government and church officials tried to protect the old order.To defend against the attacks of the Enlightenment, they used censorship, the restricting of access to ideas and information. They banned and burned books and imprisoned writers. Salons were informal social gatherings where writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas. 2

9. Enlightened Despots Most radical of enlightened despots. Granted toleration to Protestants and Jews. Ended censorship and tried to control the Catholic Church. Sold church property to build hospitals. Abolished serfdom. Was interested in Enlightenment ideas but intended to give up no power. Made some limited reforms in law and government. Granted nobles a charter of rights. Criticized the institution of serfdom. Exerted tight control over subjects, but saw himself as a “servant of the state.” Tolerated religious differences. Distributed seeds and tools to peasants. JOSEPH II CATHERINE THE GREAT FREDERICK THE GREAT Enlightened despots were absolute rulers who used their power to bring about political and social change. 2

10. Literature and the Arts LITERATURE Literature developed new forms and a wide new audience. Middle class readers enjoyed stories about their own times. Great numbers of novels were written. MUSIC New kinds of musical entertainment evolved, such as ballets and operas. Music followed ordered, structured forms. Johann Sebastian Bach,George Frederick Handel, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were brilliant and influential composers of this time. COURTLY ART Artists and designers developed the rococo style, which was personal, elegant, and charming. In the 1600s and 1700s, the arts evolved to meet changing tastes. 2