The Enlightenment

During the 1700’s many Europeans believed that reason could be used to make government and society better. Started in France where thinkers wrote and discussed their ideas Monarchs who ruled by “the will of god” tried to model their countries on Enlightenment.

Natural Law What is it? A law applied to everyone and could be understood with reason. Challenge to the Kings & Queens of the time, started fair government. Started legal rights to citizens (modern) Anarchists agree but use it to disband all establishments

Thomas Hobbes Wrote on English Government & Society. Lived during English civil war Said “absolute monarchy is best form of government” Shocked when king executed Said humans naturally selfish & violent People could not be trusted to make decisions for themselves.

John Locke Did not agree with Hobbes Natural law meant citizen rights & government answerable to people During life bill of rights made by William & Mary. Examples: trial by jury and no cruel punishment On birth people have rights. Like right to life, liberty and to own property Social contract: Rulers take rights from people, people have right to revolt.

Baron Montesquieu Said England’s government was best because of separation of powers. Three parts of government. What are they? Legislative: makes laws Executive: enforces them Judicial: interprets laws, and judge when broken With separation government could not get big enough to over power peoples rights.

French Philosophes France was major center of enlightenment They people leading this movement were called philosophe (philosopher) They were writers, teachers, journalists and observers of society. They went against superstitions & unfounded belief Went against thy church who did not like the science and thinking at the time Believed in individual rights and liberty

Voltaire Real name: François-Marie Arouet Was greatest thinker of enlightenment Wrote: novels, plays, letters & essays disliked catholic church, he accused them of abuse of powers. Government supporting one church, people should choose Supported deism: a religion based on reason, god made world but let it go after that.