1. The Enlightenment in Europe
Chapter 6 Section 2
The Enlightenment in Europe

2. Two Views on Government
Thomas Hobbes
English Civil War= All people naturally selfish and wicked= need government to keep order’
Leviathan- Sea Monster need strong ruler to keep citizens under control= absolute monarchy
Social Contract-the agreement by which people define and limit their individual rights, thus creating an organized society or government.

3. Two Views on Government
John Locke
Saw people as reasonable beings who could look after their own affairs and the welfare of society
Criticized absolute monarchy and favored self-government
People are born free and equal with natural rights of life liberty and property
Government’s job is to protect these rights- If a government fails people have the right to overthrow that government.
Power comes from the consent of the people=foundation of modern democracy.

4. The Philosophes Advocate Reason
French word for philosophers.
Believed people could apply reason to all aspects of life
5 core concepts
1. Reason
2. Nature
3. Happiness
4. Progress
5. Liberty
Paris was the center of discussion of politics and ideas.

5. Philosophes advocate reason
Voltaire
Francois Marie Arouet
Used satire against his opponents
Sent to prison twice and exiled to England
Fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of religious belief, and freedom of speech.
“ I do not agree with a word you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

6. Philosophes advocate reason
Montesquieu
Believed Britain was the best governed and most balanced country
Separation of powers
Philosophes advocate reason
On the Spirit of Laws
“Power should be a check to power.”
Checks and balances

7. Philosophes advocate reason
Rousseau
Son of a poor Swiss watchmaker got fame by writing essays
Disagreed with other Philosophes on a lot of matters
Thought civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness
Only good government is one formed by the people and guided by the “general will”= direct democracy
The Social Contract
Agreement among free individuals to create society and government
All people are equal and titles should be abolished

8. Philosophes advocate reason
Beccaria
Believed laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes
Person should have a speedy trial, and torture should never be used.
Degree of punishment should be based on the seriousness of the crime.
Didn’t believe in capital punishment
Govt. should seek the greatest good for the greatest number of people

9. Women and the Enlightenment
Many male Philosophes still had a traditional view of women
Mary Astell- A Serious Proposal to the Ladies
Lack of education for women, and unequal status
Mary Wollstonecraft
A vindication of the Rights of Women
Women need an education to be virtuous and useful
Urged women to enter male dominated fields like medicine and politics.

10. Which Philosophe /Philosophy do you agree with the most? Why?
Which Philosophy has had the biggest impact on your life?