Enlightenment Important philosophers, ideas, and connections to modern society

WICKED SMART PEOPLE! Shaped British and other European societies’ philosophies Influenced government, trade, and social structures – Are men inherently good? – Why are we here? – What should the role of government be? – Will government ever truly represent the people’s interests?

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) A philosopher and political theorist whose 1651 treatise Leviathan effectively kicked off the English Enlightenment. The controversial Leviathan detailed Hobbes’s theory that all humans are inherently self- driven and evil and that the best form of government is thus a single, all-powerful monarch to keep everything in order.

John Locke (1632–1704) Believed that men are all rational and capable people but must compromise some of their beliefs in the interest of forming a government for the people. Natural rights – life, liberty, property Man has the right to overthrow a ruler who does not protect those rights

Rene Descartes ( ) French philosopher and scientist Revolutionized algebra and geometry Made the famous philosophical statement “I think, therefore I am.” Developed a deductive approach to philosophy using math and logic in connection with problem solving

Baron de Montesquieu (1689–1755) Separation of government Checks and balances

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) Believed that man was at his best when unshackled by the conventions of society. The Social Contract (1762) conceived of a system of direct democracy in which all citizens contribute to an overarching “general will” that serves everyone at once.

Adam Smith Capitalism The invisible hand – Market metaphor: marketplace will self-regulate; individuals can make profit and maximize it without the need for government intervention

Mary Wollstonecraft ( ) Women’s rights A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), in which she argues that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education. Suggests that both men and women should be treated as rational beings and imagines a social order founded on reason.

Cesare Becarria Italian criminologist, jurist, philosopher and politician On Crimes and Punishments which condemned torture and the death penalty

Music Links Aretha Franklin, “Respect” ZZ Top, “Bad to the Bone” Beatles, “Revolution” Pink Floyd, “Money”