Chapter 6 Section 2

1. Chapter 6 Section 2 The Enlightenment in Europe

2. Two Views on Government • Thomas Hobbes • English Civil War= All people naturally selfish and wicked= need government to keep order’ • Leviathan- Sea Monster need strong ruler to keep citizens under control= absolute monarchy • Social Contract-the agreement by which people define and limit their individual rights, thus creating an organized society or government.

3. Two Views on Government • John Locke • Saw people as reasonable beings who could look after their own affairs and the welfare of society • Criticized absolute monarchy and favored self-government • People are born free and equal with natural rights of life liberty and property • Government’s job is to protect these rights- If a government fails people have the right to overthrow that government. • Power comes from the consent of the people=foundation of modern democracy.

4. The Philosophes Advocate Reason • Philosophes • French word for philosophers. • Believed people could apply reason to all aspects of life • 5 core concepts • 1. Reason • 2. Nature • 3. Happiness • 4. Progress • 5. Liberty • Paris was the center of discussion of politics and ideas.

5. Philosophes advocate reason • Voltaire • Francois Marie Arouet • Used satire against his opponents • Sent to prison twice and exiled to England • Fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of religious belief, and freedom of speech. • “ I do not agree with a word you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

6. Philosophes advocate reason • Montesquieu • Believed Britain was the best governed and most balanced country • Separation of powers • Philosophes advocate reason • On the Spirit of Laws • “Power should be a check to power.” • Checks and balances

7. Philosophes advocate reason • Rousseau • Son of a poor Swiss watchmaker got fame by writing essays • Disagreed with other Philosophes on a lot of matters • Thought civilization corrupted people’s natural goodness • Only good government is one formed by the people and guided by the “general will”= direct democracy • The Social Contract • Agreement among free individuals to create society and government • All people are equal and titles should be abolished

8. Philosophes advocate reason • Beccaria • Believed laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes • Person should have a speedy trial, and torture should never be used. • Degree of punishment should be based on the seriousness of the crime. • Didn’t believe in capital punishment • Govt. should seek the greatest good for the greatest number of people

9. Women and the Enlightenment • Many male Philosophes still had a traditional view of women • Mary Astell- A Serious Proposal to the Ladies • Lack of education for women, and unequal status • Mary Wollstonecraft • A vindication of the Rights of Women • Women need an education to be virtuous and useful • Urged women to enter male dominated fields like medicine and politics.

10. Which Philosophe /Philosophy do you agree with the most? Why? • Which Philosophy has had the biggest impact on your life?