F. How did philosophes such as Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire and Diderot spark the beginnings of the social sciences? G. How did Enlightenment ideas change society and culture?

Sub-objective – What are philisophes? What are the social sciences? Philosophe – French term for philosopher. Used because many (not all) intellectuals during this time period were from France. The term also includes writers, economists, and social reformers from the middle class and nobility. Social Sciences – the study of society and how individuals interact, behave and influence the world around them. *Based on Newton’s method’s of natural laws.

F. How did philosophes such as Locke spark the study of social sciences? John Locke – (1632 – 1704) Englishman that wrote his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, in which he used the tabula rasa – blank mind (all humans are born with) *If environments are changed and people are exposed to the right experiences, then we could create a new, better society.

F. How did philosophes such as Montesquieu spark the study of social sciences? Montesquieu – (1689 – 1755) – French noble that wrote The Spirit of the Laws (1748), in which he tried to determine the best route for people to be governed. English government (1688) and seperation of powers 3 branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) that prevents one person from gaining to much power, therefore allowing more freedom. United States creates constitution (1787) based on these ideas.

F. How did philosophes such as Rousseau spark the study of social sciences? Jean-Jacques Russeau – (1712 – 1778) – French philosopher that wrote The Social Contract (1762). Social contract – society agrees to be governed by its general will and all citizens should choose which freedoms to give up (laws), therefore allowing the government to protect the freedoms that they have remaining. People should no longer adopt the laws of the monarch but adopt laws that are best for “the general will” (all).

F. How did philosophes such as Voltaire spark the study of social sciences? Voltaire – (1694 – 1778) – French writer known for his wit and attacks on the Catholic Church. Separation of church and state, pro religious tolerance (all should have the right to worship as they wish) Diesm – religious philosophy based on reason and natural law God created the universe, set it in motion, and allowed it to run without his interference according to natural laws.

F. How did philosophes such as Smith spark the study of social sciences? Adam Smith (Scottish) Wealth of Nations (1776) – laissez – faire Let people do what they want (especially economically) Government should let the economy run “naturally” without interference Governments have only three jobs: 1. Protect citizens from invasion (army) 2. Protect citizens from injustice (police) 3. Public works (build roads, schools, etc.)

F. How did philosophes such as Diderot spark the study of social sciences? Diderot (dee-DROH) – (1713 – 1784) – French writer that wrote Encylopedia, or Classified Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, and Trades. Wrote his book to “change the general way of thinking” Attacked religious superstition and supported religious tolerance. Called for legal, social, and political reforms.

Assessment-Daily Assignment 1. What is a philsophe? What is the origin of the word and why? 2. tabula rasa – who popularized the term and what does it mean? 3. Montesquieu wrote Spirit of the Laws. How does he suggest that people should be governed? 4. What did Voltaire do for a living? What were his views of religion? 5. Why does The Social Contract argue against monarchies? 6. How should the economy run according to Adam Smith? What are the government’s 3 responsibilities? 7. What was Diderot’s purpose in life? What did he write?