2. Scientific Revolution and The Age of Enlightenment

3. Also known as “The Age of Reason” Sci. Rev. = new way of examining the world logically (scientific method, etc.) Began in 1600s. Paved way for Enlightenment. Height = mid-1700s

4. Key Ideas Enlightenment philosophers admire scientists’ use of reason to understand the natural world. Promote reason to understand government, religion, education, and economics. Advocate government reform and social improvement.

5. Enlightened Philosophers

6. Thomas Hobbes Believed people always acted in their own self interest Government needed to keep order Life w/o gov’t = solitary, poor, brutish, short.

7. John Locke Thought people were reasonable & had natural ability to govern themselves Purpose of government = protect natural rights of life, liberty, and property

8. Voltaire Tolerance, reason, and freedom of thought, expression, and religious belief

9. Montesquieu Idea of Separation of Powers (3 branches of government) & checks and balances to keep any individual or group from gaining complete control of the government

10. Rousseau Viewed government as a Social Contract among free individuals to create a society guided by the “general will”

11. Mary Wollstonecraft Argued for women’s education and political participation Believed women, like men, need education to become virtuous and useful

12. How did Enlightenment writers and thinkers set the stage for revolutionary movements? Encouraged people – to judge for themselves what was right or wrong in society –Rely on human reason to solve social problems

13. Major Ideas of the Enlightenment Natural Rights – life, liberty, property = Locke Freedom of Thought and Expression = Voltaire Religious Freedom = Voltaire Separation of Powers = Montesquieu Rebellion against corrupt Gov’t is okay = Rousseau Women’s Equality = Wollstonecraft

14. Questions Voltaire is credited with saying: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” What does this statement indicate about Voltaire’s views on free speech? How is it similar to beliefs about free speech in the U.S.?

15. Whose ideas are most like your own? Why? Hobbes –People are selfish, self- serving, and brutal. –Without control, society would be chaotic Locke –People are reasonable and able to make decisions. –People should be able to rule themselves.

16. The End