The Enlightenment

1
The Enlightenment
2
Age of Reason

• Philosophers tried to use reason in discovering
  natural laws for moral behavior.

3
Enlightenment Thinkers

• Thomas Hobbes said the best govt. is an
  absolute monarchy. Once people entered into this
  contract, they couldnt rebel.
• John Locke said govt. is a contract between the
  ruler and the ruled. Rulers could stay in power
  only with the consent of the governed.
• Locke said people have natural rights to life,
  liberty, and property.

4
Philosophes/ Physiocrats

• Expanded on Lockes ideas and used science and
  reason.
• Philosophes focused on social issues, supported
  religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and an
  end to slavery.
• Physiocrats focused on economic issues, opposed
  mercantilism, said land/farming was the true
  source of wealth, and favored a free market.

5
Views on Government

• Montesquieu believed the English govt. protect
  liberty through three branches of govt. with a
  separation of powers.
• Voltaire argued for religious toleration,
  common sense, and freedom of thought. Believed
  the best leader was an enlightened monarch.
• Rousseau believed in majority rule, will of the
  people, and equality. Said society corrupted the
  individual.