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The Enlightenment in Europe: Age of Reason and Social Critics

Explore the Enlightenment era emphasizing concepts of reason, nature, and liberty. Dive into key figures like Hobbes, Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau. Understand the impact of social critics advocating for freedom and justice.

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The Enlightenment in Europe: Age of Reason and Social Critics

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  1. The Enlightenment in Europe Chapter 22, Section 2

  2. Bellwork Tues 2/4/14 What does Enlightenment mean? (Also known as the “Age of Reason” )

  3. 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)

  4. 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).

  5. 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.

  6. Philosophes • “fill-uh-sofs” • Social Critics Then: Now??

  7. 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

  8. 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.”

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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.

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