The Enlightenment Dare to Know 1550 1789 What

The Enlightenment “Dare to Know” 1550 -1789

What is the Enlightenment? Where is it from? n n n n Europe Scientific Revolution- Descartes and Newton Laws of Nature- Govern the Universe (Gravity) Political thinkers Philosophes developed ideas about how best to organize a government. (influenced by the Scientific Revolution- Laws of Nature) They believed- Government should follow the laws of Nature. Man in a state of Nature (born in nature) develops in common ways. (freedom, pursuit of happiness) The Enlightenment is a reaction against Absolutism. The best government is one that allow for man to have Natural Rights

Which Enlightenment thinkers most influenced the American Revolutionaries? n Leaders of the Movement n Thomas Hobbes (English) 1588 -1679 n John Locke (English) 1632 -1704 n Montesquieu (French)1689 -1755 n Voltaire (French)1694 -1778 n Rousseau (French)1712 -1778

Thomas Hobbes n n Believed that absolute monarchy was the best form of government. He believed that man is naturally violent, disorderly and needs control= Absolute Government Book was called Leviathan without Absolute government life would be "nasty, brutish, and short. " Hobbesian Social Contract: n People give obedience and the ruler gives protection and order. n People do not have the right to rebel against their government no matter how unjust it was.

John Locke n n Believed in natural law. Or the idea that there were laws of nature that applied to humans. He believed that people are naturally reasonable and moral, and that they have natural rights to life, liberty and property. n The Lockean Social Contract: idea that the people and their government have a contract. Each gives something in exchange for something. n People give allegiance and loyalty. -- Government gives rights, order, and justice. n He believed that these rights should always exist and if a government does not protect these rights then the contract between the people and the government is broken and the people have a right to rebel. n American Revolutionaries used these ideas.

Baron de Montesquieu Wrote a book The Spirit of the Laws, n Promoted the idea of a government with separation of powers. n Executive Branch: to enforce the laws n Legislative Branch: to make the laws n Judicial Branch: to interpret the laws, or make sure they are fair. (Supreme Court) n Thought that individual rights should be protected. n

n“Absolute power, corrupts absolutely!”

Rousseau n n French Author and thinker. Believed that the (Popular Sovereignty) power to rule belonged to the people, and governments should receive their authority from the people. Believed that people had the right to rise up against their government and carry out needed changes. "Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains. "

Voltaire (1694 -1778) n French Author and thinker. Believed in religious freedom and freedom of speech. n "I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it. " n "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong. " n "Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. " n