Two Views on Government Thesis- John Locke and Thomas Hobbes both contributed ideas that started the Enlightenment although their views were very different.
Hobbes's Social Contract
-Believed humans were naturally selfish and wicked.
-Without government there would be war, life would be poor and short.
-Created a Social Agreement, people gave up their rights to a strong ruler in exchange for law and order. (absolute monarchy)
Locke's Natural Rights
-Believed people could learn from experience and better themselves.
-Self-government
-All people are born free and equal with life, liberty, and property. (democracy)
The Philosophes Advocate Reason Thesis- French philosophers, philosophes, had 5 concepts for their beliefs; reason, nature, happiness, progress, and liberty.
Voltaire Combats Intolerance
-Most brilliant and influential philosophes.
-Never stopped fighting for tolerance, reason, freedom of religious belief, freedom of speech.
-His sharp tongue made him many opponents.
Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers
-Studied political liberty.
-Believed Britain's form of government was the best and most politically balanced, separation of powers.
-His idea of checks and balances was the base of the United States Constitution.
Rousseau: Champion of Freedom
-Philosophe committed to individual freedom.
-Believed civilization corrupted people's natural goodness.
-Direct democracy, his ideas inspired many leaders of the French Revolution to overthrow the monarchy.
Beccaria Promotes Criminal Justice
-Believed that laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes.
-Argued that a person accused of a crime should receive a speedy trial and torture should not be used.
-Believed the punishment should be based off the seriousness of the crime.
Women and the Enlightenment Thesis- Women made a big impact in the enlightenment, changing how women were viewed, giving them more power.
Legacy of the Enlightenment Thesis- Philosophes challenged old beliefs and ideas, formed new theories, and inspired the American and French revolutionary movements. It helped shape modern civilization.
Belief in Progress
-With help from the ideas of Galileo and Newton, scientific knowledge quickened in the 1700s.
-Scientists made new discoveries.
-Philosophes urged an end to slavery and fought for greater social equality and democracy.
A More Secular Outlook
-People began to question their beliefs and the teachings of the church.
-Scientists discovered mathematical solutions to what people thought were the workings of God.
-Voltaire attacked some of the beliefs and practices of Christianity, hoping to get rid of superstition and promote tolerance of all religions.
Importance of the Individual
-People turned away from religion and looked to themselves instead.
-Encouraged to use their own ability to judge what is right or wrong.
-Adam Smith believed individuals acting in their own self interest promoted economic growth.
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