Aim: What were they thinking during the Enlightenment? The Age of Reason

The Enlightenment Enlightenment – A European movement that questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through RATIONAL CHANGE. The Enlightenment led to many new inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars and revolutions. i.e. The American and French Revolutions

I. Thomas Hobbes Famous Work – “The Leviathan” View of Human Nature Wicked and Selfish Ideal Government Big powerful absolute monarchy Social Contract – People give up rights to rulers in exchange for order and stability

II. John Locke Famous Work View of Human Nature Ideal Government “Two Treatise on Government” View of Human Nature People are good Ideal Government Self Government Natural Rights – Life, liberty and property ***The government MUST protect natural rights…if not the people have the RIGHT to overthrow the government

The French Philosophers Voltaire Freedom of Speech and Religion “I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” Baron de Montesquieu “Power should be a check to power” Checks and balances 3 Branches of Government

Jean Jacque Rousseau Government should be for the common good “General Will” – should guide government actions “Man is born free yet everywhere he is in chains”