Sabrina Bailey

WC Enlightenment DBQ
Main Ideas of the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment is described as a philosophical movement of the 18th century,characterized
by belief in the power of human reason and by innovations in political, religious, and educational doctrine
(www.dictionary). Philosophers of the Enlightenment, John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary
Wollstonecraft, each expressed their opinions and beliefs about topics including, freedoms in government,
religion, economy, and gender equality.
John Locke believed that if government failed, then the people should be able to take control. He
said, when the government is dissolved, the people are at liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a
new legislative (Doc 1). John Locke believed that all men were in a state of perfect freedom to order
their action. He believed that all people were equal and that all people were equal. Overall, John Locke
believed that people were created equally, and that if the government were to ever fail the people should
be the ones who step in and take control and create a legislative branch of government.
Voltaire was a writer, poet, and composer. Today he is still considered to be one of the leading
historical figures of tolerance. He believed that there should and needs to be different religions in society.
Hence, that Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc. all should be allowed in society. Also, they are all needed in
society. Their differences are what create the equality in the government. Voltaire said, If one religion
only were allowed in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary; if there were but
two, the people would cut one anothers throats; but as there are such a multitude, they all live happy and
in peace, (Doc 2). Overall, Voltaire believes that there needs to be different varieties of religions in
society in order for society to function properly. This is because there needs to be a balance of religion in
government. In order to keep the people happy and not revolt, the government should allow the people to
decide what religion they would like to worship. This is what Voltaire believed overall.
Adam Smith believes that when people are happy they are more of an effect on their community.
Adam Smith states, By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more
[effectively] than when he really intends to promote it, (Doc 3). This means that if people are
participating in something that makes them happy of satisfies them, then they are more likely to make
more progress in their community and give more effort. Overall, Adam Smith found that people who
pursue happiness are the people who have the most impact on their family, friends, and society.
Mary Wollstonecraft was a writer. She believed that men and women should both be treated as
equal as the other. She said, Women must be allowed to found their virtue on knowledge, which is
scarcely possible unless they be educated by the same pursuits as men, (Doc 4). This is stating that
women need to be as educated as men as a first small step. Overall, Mary Wollstonecraft was a woman
who deeply believed that women should be treated as equally as men are treated. She believes women
have the same rights men have. She also believes women should not be looked at differently than men.
Although, John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft all had different ideas and
beliefs, they are all related in the sense of making a difference. Each had their own insights on their
topics. They all did what was in their power to make their beliefs known; however, many people may not
have agreed with them. This did not stop any of these Enlightenment philosophers. They continued to
keep moving forward, and in the end they made a difference. They had in fact became true and notable
enlightenment philosophers in which people today continue to look back on them and their ideas.