Enlightenment

Vocabulary Reason—the use of scientific and logical thinking Enlightenment—a time in history when thinkers began to use reason and scientific thinking applied to government and society. Natural law—a law that applied to everyone Tabula rasa—a “blank slate” or blank mind. John Locke believed that people were born with a blank slate and their experiences shaped their thoughts.

Vocabulary continued Natural rights—the rights belonging to all humans from birth—life, liberty, property Social contract—an agreement between the citizens and their ruler. Declaration of Independence—the document that established the independence of the 13 American Colonies from English rule Philosophes—French thinkers, French for philosopher

Vocabulary—final page Separation of powers—a division of power among the branches of government Checks and Balances—a system within the government that limits and controls each branch so that one does not have too much power Civic Virtue—one’s duty as a citizen

Thomas Hobbes--1651 Man is basically born evil Did not believe in individual rights Strong government is essential for order—supported absolutism Ruler must be obeyed even if he/she is bad

John Locke--1690 Government is essential for order Man is born with a tabula rasa—blank slate Believed in individual rights—life, property, liberty Must have order but ruler must govern fairly If ruler is unfair, find a new ruler Men have ability to reason and will make right decisions if given rights

Baron de Montesquieu--1748 Believed in importance of separation of powers of government No one part of government should have more power than another System of checks and balances

Jean Jaques Rousseau--1762 Believed that man is basically good and that civilization corrupts him A sharing of values, called “general will” held a governed people together Majority should rule or govern Wrote a book called “Social Contract”

Voltaire 1778 Believed man was basically good All people should have freedom to express their opinions Freedom of speech and religion All people equal before government Strong opponent of slave trade