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The Enlightenment : A New Way of Thinking

The Enlightenment : A New Way of Thinking. Definition: A time when the use of reason (logical thinking) and scientific principles were applied to political, social and economic problems. DON’T WRITE It was a direct result of absolutism.

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The Enlightenment : A New Way of Thinking

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  1. The Enlightenment:A New Way of Thinking

  2. Definition: A time when the use of reason (logical thinking) and scientific principles were applied to political, social and economic problems.

  3. DON’T WRITE It was a direct result of absolutism. The people of Europe became tired of the abuses of power by absolute monarchs.

  4. DON’T WRITE Philosophes wrote about natural laws, or laws that govern human behavior.

  5. John Calvin ThomasHobbes

  6. II.Philosophes: Enlightenment thinkers who applied methods of science to improve society.

  7. 1. Thomas Hobbes Wrote “The Leviathan” Man is naturally cruel & must be controlled Social contract – an agreement to give up man’s natural rights to live in organized society. Gov’t must ensure order & obedience Promoted absolute monarchy

  8. The best government, according to Hobbes, was one that had the absolute power of a leviathan (sea monster).

  9. 2. John Locke Wrote “Two Treatises on Government” Man is born equal & good Naturalrights- rights belonging to all humans “life, liberty and property” Best gov’t: leader is limited and is accepted by all citizens (democracy) If gov’t fails, people have the right to overthrow it

  10. The belief that a government’s power comes from the people is the foundation of modern democracy.

  11. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Voltaire

  12. 3. Francois Voltaire Wrote: “Candide” Published more than 70 books about the right to free speech. Promoted civil rights & religious toleration Believed Enlightened Monarchs were best

  13. DON’T WRITE He helped make liberalism (the philosophy that emphasizes change, freedom from tradition and individual rights) more popular

  14. DON’T WRITE Voltaire criticized the French gov’t and the Catholic Church in his books and speeches; he was sent to prison twice and exiled to England for two years.

  15. 4. Baron de Montesquieu Wrote “The Spirit of Laws” Gov’t should be separated into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

  16. “When the legislature and executive are united in the same person there is no liberty.” Montesquieu Used as the basis for the structure of the American gov’t (checks and balances)

  17. DON’T WRITE Rousseau believed people are naturally good but are corrupted by the inequality of society.

  18. 5. Jean Jacques Rousseau Wrote “The Social Contract” People should give up some rights for the common good. The will of the people is good but individuals should be subordinate to the community.

  19. DON’T WRITE “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.” Two Views • Democracy –authority given to people • Communism- good of the community over the individual

  20. His ideas helped spark the French Revolution.

  21. 6. Adam Smith Wrote “The Wealth of Nations” The free market- the natural forces of supply and demand, should be allowed to operate and regulate business. Believed in laissez-faire-allowing business to operate without gov’t interference.

  22. “It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.” Adam Smith

  23. DON’T WRITE In her book A Vindication of the Rights of Women, Mary Wollstonecraft argued that women needed education to become virtuous and useful.

  24. DON’T WRITE Women could be doctors and participate in politics, just like men!

  25. DON’T WRITE Mary Wollstonecraft’s daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, would write the classic novel Frankenstein.

  26. III. Spread of Ideas • The printing press spread Enlightenment ideas. • Salons- women organized social gatherings to exchange ideas & perspectives

  27. WRITE IV. Enlightened Despots • Absolute rulers who used their power to bring about political and social change. DON’T WRITE Frederick the Great (Prussia), Catherine the Great (Russia), Joseph II (Austria)

  28. V. Effects • Enlightenment inspired a belief in personal freedom and equality. • Growth of democracy. • Age of revolution!

  29. DON’TWRITE VI. Arts and Literature Middle class (merchants and town officials) influenced art and music. • Baroque: A grand, bright style of art • Rococo Style: Delicate Porcelain, portraits, tapestries • Music: Composers- Bach, Mozart, Handel Johann Sebastian Bach[ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart George Frideric Handel

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