Discussion From what you know about absolutism and the Enlightenment, what do you think "enlightened absolutism" means? Enlightened absolutism involves the rule of a monarch with enlightened ideas.

Enlightenment and Absolutism Enlightenment philosophy: The philosophes believed in natural rights for all people. Enlightened rulers: Many philosophes believed that enlightened rulers could establish and preserve these rights.

Discussion What natural rights did the philosophes believe an enlightened ruler should establish and preserve for people? equality before the law; freedom of religious worship, speech, and the press; and the rights to assemble, hold property, and pursue happiness

Enlightenment Rulers Prussia: While Frederick William I was mostly interested in increasing Prussia's power, Frederick II was willing to make limited reforms. Austria: Although Empress Maria Theresa improved the condition of serfs, she was not open to the philosophes' calls for other reforms. Russia: Catherine the Great was more concerned with strengthening the state and maintaining the status quo than with reforms. Common goal: Strengthening the state was a priority over enlightened reforms for all leaders.

Discussion Were any of the rulers truly enlightened in the sense envisioned by the philosophes? Only Joseph II of Austria tried to make reforms in line with enlightened thought.