The Enlightenment

The Age of Reason

The Age of Enlightenment

1700s Rationalism-belief that human nature could be logically explained using reason & the Scientific Method Ideas about secularism and individualism Enlightenment thinkers were called Philosophes

Thomas Hobbes
Believed in the social contractpeople give up individual liberties in return for social order The natural condition of humans is one of continuous conflict and competition Supporter of absolute monarchy Believed anarchy to be a state of nature. Wrote Leviathan (1651) Said life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

John Locke
Believed in individual rights
Life Liberty Property

People would not-and could notwillingly surrender their fundamental natural rights. Government existed to protect those rights, & if they didnt, it should be overthrown. Supporter of Democracy Wrote Two Treatises on Government

Baron de Montesquieu
His idea of checks and balances would influence the U.S. Constitution Saw humans life as a comedy and satire. Division of power into 3 branches Climate and Circumstances determine the form of governments Published The Spirit of the Laws (1748)

Voltaire
Strong supporter of Freedom of Speech, Thought, & Religion Humans are liars, traitors, ingrates, thieves, misers, killers, fanatics, hypocrites, fools and so on. Yet, its normal. Believed Govts should ensure personal freedoms Satirist who wrote about the French Monarchy, the nobility, and the church Candide & Philosophical Letters Imprisoned twice in France for his views

Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Believed in Popular Sovereignty Argued people are naturally good, but society corrupts them through environment, education and laws. Opposed strong government. Government created and controlled by the people. Did not trust reason believing that it brought corruption and misery. Published The Social Contract (1762)

Denis Diderot
Combine articles of leading Philosophes covering every subject possible. Leading philosophes of the time contributed articles on everything from criticizing aspects of society, the church, government, the slave trade, torture, taxes, and war Created The Encyclopedia

Mary Wollstonecraft
Early spokesperson for Womens Rights Argued the ideals of equality should be extended to women as well as men. Governments should extend political rights to women as well Women should also enjoy educational freedoms as well Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)