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The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment. A new intellectual movement that emphasized reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems. Also known as the Age of Reason. Reached its height in the mid 1700’s. What is the Enlightenment?. Two English political thinkers of the 1600’s.

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The Enlightenment

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  1. The Enlightenment

  2. A new intellectual movement that emphasized reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems. Also known as the Age of Reason. Reached its height in the mid 1700’s. What is the Enlightenment?

  3. Two English political thinkers of the 1600’s. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Both men experienced political turmoil in England…..but came to very different conclusions about government and human nature. Two Views of Government

  4. Thomas Hobbes • Convinced that all humans are naturally selfish and wicked. • English Civil War atrocities convince him of this. • People need government to keep them from going to war with each other.

  5. Thomas Hobbes • Expressed his views in a work called Leviathan. • Hobbes called for people to hand over their rights to a strong ruler in exchange for law and order. • This is called a social contract.

  6. John Locke • Believed that people could learn from experience and improve themselves. • Had ability to govern their own affairs and to look after the welfare of society. • Favored the idea of self-government.

  7. John Locke • All people are born free and equal. • Everyone has the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. • Purpose of government is to protect these rights. • Foundation for modern day democracy.

  8. PARIS – birthplace of the Philosopher • Philosophes – social critics of this time period. • Believed people could apply reason to all aspects of life. • Five concepts at core of their beliefs • Reason • Nature • Happiness • Progress • Liberty

  9. Voltaire • Published more than 70 books of political essays, philosophy, and more. • Used satire and made many enemies in the process. • Fought hard for freedom of speech.

  10. Montesquieu • Devoted himself to the study of political liberty. • Believed Britain was the best governed country in the world. • Developed the idea for separation of powers. • Today we call this checks and balances.

  11. Rousseau • Committed to the fight for individual freedom. • Believed a good government is freely formed by the people and guided by the general will of society. • Direct Democracy

  12. Women & The Enlightenment • Philosophers were divided over the issue of women’s role during the Enlightenment. • Women tried to raise awareness and improve their standing in society. • Mary Wallstonecraft • Argued for women’s rights to gain an education and certain jobs.

  13. Legacy of the Enlightenment • Greater belief in progress • Rise of secularism • Rise of individualism • Basis for future philosophers across the world

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