1. THE ENLIGHTENMENT

2. AGE OF REASON & PROGRESS  Great skepticism toward tradition  Confidence in human reason & science  Idea of progress of civilization  Secular worldview  Society should be grounded on rational foundations

3. THE ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHES  Those who critically analyzed any subject  Held variety of opinions, some contradictory  Shared general belief in reason, science, progress, civilization  Concerned with equality

4. THE ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHES  MONTESQUIEU (1689-1755)  Spirit of the Laws Separation & balance of powers Separation of functions of government Laws should not be arbitrary

5. THE ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHES  VOLTAIRE (1694-1778)  Promoted freedom of thought & religion  Advanced material & technological progress  Supported despotism if “enlightened”  Strong proponent of religious toleration  Presented secular view of history

6. THE ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHES  ROUSSEAU (1712-1778)  Early works Promoted idea of civilization as root of evil Championed feeling & impulse over reason  The Social Contract State of nature was brutish, lacked morality All members of community part of “General Will”