The Enlightenment

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The Enlightenment I Think Therefore I
AmRene Descartes
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The Enlightenment

• Enlightenment a period when breakthroughs in
  science contributed to new philosophies in
  different areas of life.
• It started in Paris, France

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The Enlightenment

• The Enlightenment was lead by philosophes who
  believed they could improve society.

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Enlightenment

• This resulted in dramatic progress in math,
  science, astronomy, politics, economics
  philosophy.
• Breakthroughs in various areas of study
  contributed to dramatic social awareness and
  contributed to changes in government

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Enlightenment

• Inspired the ideas behind the American and French
  Revolution
• Inspired the common people (newspapers)
• Concepts of freedom of speech/individual
  rights/government for the people.
• It increased opportunity for education and
  encouraged scientific experimentation

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Find space on your paper and draw the following
table
Philosophe Idea(s) Explanation of Idea Modern Day Use
Locke
Rousseau
Montesquieu
Hobbes
Wollstonecraft
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Locke

• Idea
• 1. Natural rights
• 2. Right to rebel
• Explanation of Idea
• 1. People had guaranteed freedoms
• 2. People can overthrow the government for
  violations of their rights

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Locke (continued)

• Modern Day Use
• 1. The Bill of Rights (freedoms)
• 2. Right to impeach local and national leaders

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Rousseau

• Ideas
• 1. Direct democracy
• 2. Social contract (will of the people)
• 3. People are naturally good, government makes
  them corrupt
• Explanation of Ideas
• 1. People can be trusted to rule themselves
• 2. People determine the outcome of their
  government

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Rousseau (continued)

• Modern Day Use
• 1. Local elections
• 2. Right to protest and elect leaders

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Montesquieu

• Ideas
• 1. Three branches of government (separation of
  powers)
• 2. Religious toleration
• Explanation of Ideas
• 1. Power should be spread out and
  not concentrated in one area
• 2. People can worship freely

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Montesquieu (continued)

• Modern Day Use
• 1. Executive, judicial and legislative branches
  of government in the U.S.
• 2. No restrictions on religion

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Hobbes

• Idea
• 1. Strong central government
• Explanation of Idea
• 1. A strong government is needed to keep order

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Hobbes (continued)

• Modern Day Use
• 1. Government has power to make laws for the
  people

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Wollstonecraft

• Ideas
• 1. Womens rights
• 2. Democracy
• Explanation of Ideas
• 1. Women can get an education, vote and work
• 2. People can elect their own government

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Wollstonecraft (continued)

• Modern Day Use
• 1. Women have more opportunities in society today