The Scientific Revolution (16 th and 17 th century) Nicholas Copernicus Heliocentric model challenges both established science and the Church Opens the door to the questioning of other realms Francis Bacon Scientific Method – man can now use reason to explain the world around him – no need for God in science

Isaac Newton Develops mathematical ideas that explain the physical universe Laws of Motion 1) An object in motion will remain in motion 2) Force = mass X acceleration 3) For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

18 th century Enlightenment – The Age of Reason Revolution in philosophy Philosophers, inspired by scientists, started questioning God and God’s role in society Particular emphasis was placed on criticizing government and the church Paris, France was the hotbed of reason – rather ironically, it was also the center of Absolutism and Divine Right Philosophers wrote the words that inspired revolutionaries, both in America and in France

John Locke and Jean Jacque Rousseau Locke English philosopher Believed that men are entitled to life, liberty and PROPERTY Inspiration for the American founding fathers (all were rich, white, educated men) Government should protect us from us – first priority was to provide security and order Rousseau French Philosopher Believed that all men are entitiled to life, liberty and EQUALITY Inspiration for the French revolutionaries (many women and poor commoners) Government should promote equality among all men

Voltaire French philosopher who attacked the Church and the French government though his short novel, Candide and other works Advocated freedom of religion and separation of church and state Advocated the right of citizens to a fair and impartial trial

Adam Smith English economist and philosopher who attacked the idea of government intervention in the economy Advocated “laissez-faire” economics (hands off) Believed in a pure capitalist system where the “law of supply and demand” would determine prices

David Hume English philosopher who questioned the existence of God Used a logical and scientific argument to question faith Since faith itself is irrational, what makes one faith right for everyone? Heavily criticized by the Anglican Church, of which he was a member, but never wavered in his views

Deism and the Watchmaker Theory Enlightenment age religion that advocated a belief in God (even if that belief was irrational) God was there in the beginning, and will be there in the end, but in between we’re on our own Imagine an old style windup watch……God made the watch and wound it up, but then left it alone. He’ll be back when the watch needs to be rewound No need for prayer or worship – it’s counterproductive – God’s not listening anyway Humans have ultimate free choice and free will Many of the American founding fathers believed in Deism – Thomas Jefferson was probably the most famous Voltaire also advocated Deism and the right to freedom of religion