1. 6.2
The Enlightenment

2. The Enlightenment
Enlightenment = time period stressing reason, thought, and individual’s ability to solve problems
Height during mid-1700s
Comes after Scientific Revolution
New ideas on government, education, religion, & economics

3. Thomas Hobbes Thomas Hobbes – influenced by English Civil War
Humans are selfish & wicked
People would constantly be in war against each other without government
SOCIAL CONTRACT
People hand over rights to strong ruler
Government gives law and order
Perfect government = absolute monarch who rules justly

4. John Locke
John Locke believes people can learn from experience & improve
Humans have natural ability to govern themselves & do what’s best for society
NATURAL RIGHTS OF MAN – people born with
Life, liberty, property
Government must protect these rights
If gvt. can’t, citizens have right to overthrow
Gvt. gets power from the people

5. Enlightenment ideas Reason Nature Happiness Progress Liberty
Truth can be discovered using logic
Nature
What is natural is good and reasonable
Happiness
It is OK to be happy while on Earth
Progress
Humans can improve themselves
Liberty
People have rights

6. Important People of the Era
Voltaire
Uses satire to express his ideas
Montesquieu
Supports gvt. checks and balances
Rousseau
Social contract between individuals
Beccaria
Purpose of justice system = preserve order
Wollstonecraft
Promotes education for women

7. Legacy of Enlightenment
Human reason can solve social problems
Increase in secularism
Importance of individual increases