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Section 2- Impact of the Enlightenment. An era beginning in the late-1600s, in which many people tossed aside ignorance and superstition, and began to believe that humans could solve all problems through reasoning. A. Roots of the Enlightenment.
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Section 2- Impact of the Enlightenment An era beginning in the late-1600s, in which many people tossed aside ignorance and superstition, and began to believe that humans could solve all problems through reasoning.
A. Roots of the Enlightenment • In the 1500s, the Renaissance renewed Europeans’ interest in the art and ideas of the ancient Greeks and Romans • The Scientific Revolution led scientists to analyze the physical world and make important discoveries by using reason and applying scientific method • Sir Isaac Newton asserted that everything in the natural world followed unchanging natural laws such as gravity
B. John Locke and Natural Rights • Locke challenged the ideas of absolute monarchs and divine right of kings • He believed that all people had certain natural rights, including life, liberty and property • He wrote that governments are established to protect those natural rights • Social Contract: People would give up some of their freedom in exchange for protection • If a monarch violated these natural rights, the people were entitled to overthrow the monarch
C. Baron de Montesquieu • A French philosopher who also challenged the ideas of absolute monarchy and divine right • He argued that the powers of government should be limited and clearly defined • He believed that the separation of powers within government would best protect peoples rights • Suggested that governments be divided into three branches
