English Enlightenment Chapter 11 Section 4 English Enlightenment

Essential Questions In what year did the “Age of Enlightenment” occur? Define Enlightenment Define Rationalism What was the goal of the Encyclopedia? List the goals of the enlightenment thinkers.

Early Enlightenment 1700’s “Age of Enlightenment.” The belief that reason and scientific method could logically explain human nature. Rationalism: truth can be determined solely by logical thinking.

Philosophes Thinkers of Enlightenment They were not only philosophers, but critics of society. Denis Diderot Published the 1st edition, 28 volumes of the Encyclopedia. 1751- 1772

Encyclopedia Articles on all subjects Attacked The Church Government The Slave Trade Torture Taxes War French government imprisoned Diderot

Political Criticism Philosophes- examined government and compared it to the democratic-republican governments of classic Greece and Rome. Criticized the power of kings, nobles and clergy. Adopted ideas of John Locke

Baron de Montesquieu The Spirit of the Laws Described the perfect government Believed in balance of power. Executive Legislative Judicial Provides checks to political power

Voltaire Wrote against the French Monarchy, and the religious controls of the Church. Critical of intolerance and of attempts to suppress personal freedoms. Fled France to go to England.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Social Contract People are naturally good, but that environment, education, and laws corrupt them. Popular Sovereignty Government must be created and controlled by the people.

“Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains. One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract Did not trust reason It brought Corruption And Misery. Opposed a strong Gov.

Mary Wollstonecraft Spokesperson for women’s rights Argued that Enlightenment ideals if equality should be extended to women as well as men.