The Enlightenment

Age of Enlightenment - aka (also known as) Age of Reason Enlightenment = rationality ethics knowledge reform

The Enlightenment Inspired by Scientific Revolution Occurred in the 18th century Human beings can comprehend the operation of physical nature and mold it to achieve material and moral improvement, economic growth, and administrative reform Leads to reform > socially, economically, religiously, & politically Advocated religious toleration Time of creativity Spirit of innovation Nothing beyond the reach of the human mind Can solve anything through reason

Immanuel Kant First to use “Enlightenment” Natural law can explain aspects of humanity Natural Law Rules of nature discovered by reason Example > Gravity (Newton)

Thomas Hobbes Wrote Leviathan Believed in a powerful govt. Social Contract = People must give up some of their rights to a strong ruler People are cruel, greedy, and selfish Believed in a powerful govt. Absolute Monarchy Impose order and stability

John Locke People are born free & equal Best govt. Natural Rights (life, liberty, & property Govt. must protect these rights Best govt. Limited power Accepted by all citizens Govt. oppressive then people can overthrow it Advocates religious toleration

Baron de Montesquieu The Spirit of the Laws Believed in the separation of power in govt. Should have checks and balances The Spirit of the Laws Inspires Framers of the Constitution

Jacques Rousseau The Social Contract People are born free but society corrupts them The Social Contract Limited govt. Freely elected Stressed the good of the community

Voltaire Battled inequality, injustice, corruption, and superstition Freedom of speech Religious toleration

Denis Diderot Produced the Encyclopedia Spreads Enlightenment ideas Compilation of articles with various new ideas Topics associated with Govt. Philosophy Religion Spreads Enlightenment ideas

Mary Wollstonecraft Argued women were being excluded in society Right to their own destiny Vindication of the Rights of Woman Equal education for boys and girls

Adam Smith Laissez faire Wealth of Nations Free market Limited govt. involvement in economy Laissez faire Business to operate with little or no govt. involvement

Frederick II Ruler of Prussia Reduced torture Allowed freedom of the press Reorganizes govt. Simplified the laws Religious toleration

Catherine the Great Ruler of Russia Believed in equality and liberty Abolished torture Established religious tolerance

Joseph II Ruler of Austria Most radical of despots Supported religious equality Ended censorship by giving free press Supports education & healthcare for the sick Abolished serfdom