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The Enlightenment in Europe. Chapter 22, Section 2. Bellwork Tues 2/4/14. What does Enlightenment mean? (Also known as the “Age of Reason” ). No More “Because I Said So”. We should rely on: Reason (truth can be discovered through logic) Nature (nature = good = reasonable)
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The Enlightenment in Europe Chapter 22, Section 2
Bellwork Tues 2/4/14 What does Enlightenment mean? (Also known as the “Age of Reason” )
No More “Because I Said So” • We should rely on: • Reason (truth can be discovered through logic) • Nature (nature = good = reasonable) • Happiness (we can be happy NOW) • Progress (society can and should improve) • Liberty (freedom for all)
Thomas Hobbes • All humans were naturally selfish and wicked, therefore governments must keep order. • SOCIAL CONTRACT: People give their rights away to a strong ruler in return for safety and order. • Strong ruler should have total power (an absolute monarchy). • This powerful government with awesome power is what he called a leviathan (sea monster) therefore he titled his book Leviathan (1651).
John Locke Does this sound familiar?? • People were reasonable (though still selfish) • People have the natural rights to life, liberty, and property. • Purpose of government is to protect these natural rights. • Government power comes from the CONSENT of the people.
Philosophes • “fill-uh-sofs” • Social Critics Then: Now??
Voltaire • Wrote more than 70 books of political essays, philosophy, and drama. • Used satire against his enemies, especially the clergy. • Beliefs: • Tolerance • Reason • Freedom of religious belief • Freedom of speech
de Montesqieu • Believed Britain was the best-governed and most politically balanced country of his own day. • Proposed the “separation of powers” between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. • Proposed “checks and balances.”
Jean-Jacques Rousseau • Passionately committed to individual freedom. • Believed man was born free and good but easily corrupted. • Believed the only good government was the “general will” or direct democracy.
Cesare Bonesana Beccaria • Beliefs • Laws existed to preserve social order, not avenge crime. • Accused should receive speedy trials. • Torture should never be used. • Degree of punishment should match seriousness of crime. • Capital punishment (death penalty) should be abolished.
Mary Wollstonecraft • Women should be equally educated along with men. • Women should enter professions traditionally dominated by men like medicine and politics. • Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Mary Shelley • Daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft. • Mistress and later wife of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. • Author of Frankenstein in the summer of 1816, Later published in 1818.