The Enlightenment

A. What is the Enlightenment? The Enlightenment was an 18th century philosophical movement of intellectuals who were impressed with the achievements of the Scientific Revolution. The Enlightenment thinkers’ philosophy was an idea that people could approach religious, political, and economic issues through reason (thinking) and science. They believed people should not follow authority blindly. Intellectuals believed that by using the Scientific Method they could improve their society.

B. Why is the Enlightenment Important? The ideas of the Enlightenment will become a force for reform and revolution. Republicanism and Democracy became popular forms of government The movement influenced the entire western world. The Individual became an important political and social force. The philosophers of the Enlightenment wrote the words that inspired revolutionaries in America. Weakened the power of established religions

C. The Enlightenment Thinkers The writings of these Enlightenment thinkers inspired American Revolutionaries in the writings of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. John Locke Baron de Montesquieu Jean-Jacques Rousseau

2. John Locke People were reasonable (though still selfish) and had the natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Purpose of government is to protect these natural rights. Government power comes from the consent of the people. Wrote Two Treatises of Government

3. Baron de Montesquieu Believed Britain was the best-governed and most politically balanced country of his own day. Proposed the “separation of powers” between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Proposed “checks and balances.” Wrote The Spirit of Laws

4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau Passionately committed to individual freedom. Believed man was born free and good but easily corrupted. Believed the only good government was the “general will” or direct democracy. Believed that a social Contract existed between the government and the Governed. Wrote The social Contract