Great Enlightenment Thinkers Thought-Provoking Question: John Locke, a famous Enlightenment thinker, had ideas about government and human nature, as well as EDUCATION. He believed that the learning of virtue is more important than acquiring knowledge. Locke believed that experience made the greatest teacher. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LEARNING THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS MORE IMPORTANT IN EDUCATION THAN KNOWLEDGE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

“I think, therefore I am.” The Triumph of Reason As scientist began to make new discoveries, European thinkers began to apply science to society. Using reason could help people understand how to solve human problems and make life better. Example-Descartes Believed that mathematics was the source of all scientific truths because in mathematics the answers were always true. Founded Rationalism-a belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge. “I think, therefore I am.”

The Age of Enlightenment During the Enlightenment, Europeans began to believe that reason was a better guide than faith or tradition. 1700s Political Thinkers applied reason and scientific ideas to government. Natural Law-Laws that were applied to everyone and could be understood by reason.

Locke v. Hobbes John Locke English-studied philosophy and science Greatly influence by the ideas of Descartes Affected by the Glorious Revolution Argued that Natural Law affirms citizen’s rights to make government answer to the people. Wrote the Two Treatises of Government Argued that government should be based on natural rights-life, liberty, and the pursuit of property. Government should be based on social contract-an agreement between rulers and people, if a ruler took away people’s natural rights, the people had a right to revolt and set up a new government.

Locke v. Hobbes English-wrote about government and society. Thomas Hobbes English-wrote about government and society. Strongly affected by the execution of King Charles I. Wrote the Leviathan Argued that Natural law made absolute monarchy the best form of government because people were “nasty, brutish, and short,” they need to obey government and have a leader who would give people direction.

Voltaire During the 1700s, France became a major center of the Enlightenment. Voltaire is known as the greatest thinker of the Enlightenment. He was known for his strong dislike of the Catholic Church. He blamed the church for keeping knowledge from the people to maintain their power. Believed in DEISM-Religion based on reason.

Baron Montesquieu Believed that England’s government was the best because it had separation of powers. Powers are equally divided among the branches of government.

Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence Borrowed the ideas of John Locke and social contract, and his idea that people have the right to overthrow governments that violate their rights. Stated in the Declaration that “all men are created equal” and that people have certain God-given rights-Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.