5 1 The Enlightenment The Enlightenment l l

5. 1 The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment l l Enlightenment = time period stressing reason, thought, and individual’s ability to solve problems Height during mid-1700 s Comes after Scientific Revolution New ideas on government, education, religion, & economics

Thomas Hobbes l l l Thomas Hobbes – influenced by English Civil War Humans are selfish & wicked People would constantly be in war against each other without government SOCIAL CONTRACT • • People hand over rights to strong ruler Government gives law and order Perfect government = absolute monarch who rules justly

John Locke l l l John Locke believes people can learn from experience & improve Humans have natural ability to govern themselves & do what’s best for society NATURAL RIGHTS OF MAN – people born with • l l l Life, liberty, property Government must protect these rights If gvt. can’t, citizens have right to overthrow Gvt. gets power from the people

Enlightenment ideas l l l Reason • Truth can be discovered using logic Nature • What is natural is good and reasonable Happiness • It is OK to be happy while on Earth Progress • Humans can improve themselves Liberty • People have rights

Important People of the Era l l l Voltaire • Uses satire to express his ideas • Supports gvt. checks and balances • Social contract between individuals Montesquieu Rousseau

Legacy of Enlightenment l l l Human reason can solve social problems Increase in secularism Importance of individual increases