Unit 2 Chapter 5 Section 2: The Enlightenment World history

Main Idea European thinkers developed new ideas about government and society during the Enlightenment

Question Column How was the Enlightenment influenced by reason? What new views did philosophers have about government? What new views did philosophers have about society? How did Enlightenment ideas spread?

The Age of Reason The Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason, was an exciting time of optimism and possibility in the 1600s, when philosophers began to view reason as the best way to understand truth, and that reason could be used to solve all human problems. Peaked in Paris, 1700s Social gatherings with philosophers, artists, scientists, writers were called salons

Key Enlightenment Ideas The ability to reason is what makes humans unique Reason can be used to solve problems and improve people’s lives Reason can free people from ignorance, superstition, and unfair government The natural world is governed by laws that can be discovered through reason Like the natural world, human behavior is governed by natural laws Governments should reflect natural laws and encourage education and debate

New Views on Government Thomas Hobbes: English author of Leviathan, 1651, believed in monarchy, “people are naturally nasty,” people should agree to give up some freedoms to a leader, for safety, order, known as social contract John Locke: English philosopher “people were naturally reasonable,” wrote Two Treatises on Government, believed that government should be overthrown if it fails to protect natural rights Jean-Jacques Rousseau (roo-SOH): French philosopher, wrote The Social Contract, “Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains,” despised inequality in society, would inspire revolutionaries Baron de Montesquieu: French philosopher, wrote The Spirit of the Laws, 1748, admired separation of powers in government, first to concieve the system of checks and balances

New Views on Society Voltaire: French philosopher or philosophe with biting wit, attacked injustice in government, nobility, was imprisoned twice for it Diderot and the Encyclopedia: mid-1700s created to spread Enlightenment ideas Mary Wollstonecraft: demanded the equal rights for women, especially in education Adam Smith: Scottish economist believed business activities should take place in a free market, laissez-faire

Enlightenment Ideas Spread Enlightened despots: monarchs that ruled according to Enlightenment ideas Prussia: Fredrick II, influenced by Voltaire, introduced reforms (education) Russia: Catherine II, corresponded with Voltaire, Diderot, intended on reform but became a tyrant Austria: Joseph II, abolished serfdom Britain’s American colonies: influenced by Locke and Rousseau