The Age of Reason and Enlightenment Please define the word, Reason Man’s ability for logical thought If man can apply reason and logic to his World, it would be a much better place If man can apply reason and logic to his World, it would be a much better place EXAMPLE: If mankind dislikes chaos, and lawlessness he must________? Create “just” laws This is the power of reason

There seems to be unwritten or Natural rules in play here There seems to be unwritten or Natural rules in play here Don’t sniff me there!! Don’t kick Me there!!

Is it possible that there are certain Natural laws when governing man and his society? Is it possible that there are certain Natural laws when governing man and his society?

Vs. Thomas HobbsJohn Locke 1.People were naturally cruel greedy, and selfish 2.If not strictly controlled they would fight, and oppress one another 3. Life is in a state of nature, without laws or other controls, man would be tame-less 4. To escape the problems above man entered into a “Social Contract” = give up above and Have an organized society 1.People were naturally cruel greedy, and selfish 2.If not strictly controlled they would fight, and oppress one another 3. Life is in a state of nature, without laws or other controls, man would be tame-less 4. To escape the problems above man entered into a “Social Contract” = give up above and Have an organized society 1. People were basically good Reasonable, and moral. 2. All men had certain “Natural” Rights” that belonged to ALL Humans at birth. 3. Those rights “Life, Liberty, and _________. 4. Governments are formed to Protect these “Natural Rights” 5. The best government is the least government. 6. If government fails to perform the above, they’re out. 1. People were basically good Reasonable, and moral. 2. All men had certain “Natural” Rights” that belonged to ALL Humans at birth. 3. Those rights “Life, Liberty, and _________. 4. Governments are formed to Protect these “Natural Rights” 5. The best government is the least government. 6. If government fails to perform the above, they’re out.

Some More Ideas From the Age of Reason 1.People in their NATURAL state are basically good 2. People are corrupted by the evils of society Unequal Dist. of Property 3. Too many restrictions on people 4. Some restrictions ARE needed 1.People in their NATURAL state are basically good 2. People are corrupted by the evils of society Unequal Dist. of Property 3. Too many restrictions on people 4. Some restrictions ARE needed 5. ONLY governments who have been freely elected 5. ONLY governments who have been freely elected Jean Rousseau

The CONSCIENCE of the people decide those limitations…if any!!! “We the people… “Government of the people, by the people, for the people… Dec. of Independence Gettysburg Address

The good of the WHOLE community MUST Be placed ABOVE individual (the MINORITY interest) also Hated political and economic oppression What does this remind you of???? American and French Revolutions fought because of Pol. And Econ.

Are there NATURAL laws that can Apply to ECONOMICS? Are there NATURAL laws that can Apply to ECONOMICS? 1.Should government step in a REGULATE business-keep an eye on business? 1.Should government step in a REGULATE business-keep an eye on business? or 2. Allow business to regulate itself with NO GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE? 2. Allow business to regulate itself with NO GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE?

Laissez faire believed 1.Real wealth came from: A. Making land more productive B. Industries such as: 1. agriculture 2. Mining and Logging 3. Opposed tariffs

Liberty “The idea that gov’t SHOULD guarantee certain freedoms” Happiness Belief that joy should be found in THIS LIFETIME The Enlightenment

Wrote “The Wealth of Nations” The market should regulate supply and demand A.When there is a demand B.Businesses will try to meet that demand Why? =$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

“Is this what Adam Smith had in mind?” “What would Smith say about gov’t bailouts?

Smith believed; A.Government had the duty to protect society

“What can we do to avoid the irrational concept of an absolute monarchy” “Lets use reason to figure this out” Legislative ExecutiveJudicial This is America’s checks and balances

“I disagree with what you say but I will fight to the death for your right to say it”