The Enlightenment in Europe

Objectives Explain the ideas of Hobbes and Locke and other enlightenment philosophers Describe women in the enlightenment Explain the legacy of the Enlightenment

Remember Understand Apply Analyze Create Enlightenment Social contract John Locke Philosophe Voltaire Montesquieu Rousseau Mary Wollstonecraft The differences and reasoning behind Hobbes and Locke’s views on government. How Enlightenment ideas can be examined from more than one perspective What responsibilities we have as citizen according to the philosophes What aspects of the enlightenment do we see in America today? What rights would you be willing to give up for protection under the a government?

The Enlightenment prompted the reevaluation of old ways and notions of society. They started to look for new ways of thinking in Government Religion Economics Education

Two Views on Government Thomas Hobbes Social Contract Lived through English Civil War Believed all people were naturally wicked/selfish Thought people should give up certain rights to the government and strong rule Total control was need to keep citizens under control In exchange they gained law, order, and safety Absolute Monarchy was his choice of government

Two Views on Government John Locke’s Natural Rights Though people were could learn and better themselves Favored self-government People are born free and equal with natural rights Life Liberty Property Governments job is to protect those rights If they fail, the people should overthrow Power of the government comes from the people

The Philosophes Advance Reason Philosophes believed that reason could be applied to all aspects of life Truth could be discovered through logical thinking Reason What was natural was good and reasonable Nature Rejected medieval notion that people should find joy in the hereafter and seek well-being on earth Happiness Stressed that society and human kind could improve Progress Called for liberties that the English had gained in the Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights Liberty

Voltaire Combats Intolerance Francois Marie Arout uses the pen name Voltaire Publishes 70+ books of Political essay Philosophy Drama Uses satire to attack Clergy Aristocracy Government Exiled to England for 2 years Imprisoned twice by the French Monarchy “I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers Believed England had the best form of government Executive King Judicial Judges Legislative Parliament

Rousseau: Champion of Freedom Jean Jacques Rousseau Committed to personal freedom Believed civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness Only way was a direct democracy Rousseau’s social contract Free individuals create a society and a government Nobility should be abolished

Beccaria Promotes Social Justice Cesare Bonesana Beccaria Laws should preserve social order, not just avenge crimes Spoke out against Torture Irregular processing in trial Cruel punishment Long trials Capital punishment

Women in the Enlightenment Many enlightenment thinkers “forgot” about women Mary Wollstonecraft Argued that education for women should be equal Women should be in fields such as Medicine Politics

Legacy of the Enlightenment Though the philosophes were not revolutions, their ideas inspired many to become ones Belief in progress Growth in knowledge quickened Importance of individual People began to look to themselves A more secular outlook Began to question the teaching and belief of the church Also tried to rid religion of superstition and fear