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THE ENLIGHTENMENT

THE ENLIGHTENMENT. Important movement in 18 th century European thought. INTRODUCTION. The spark came from the Scientific Revolution Enlightenment thinkers believed that by applying reason and scientific laws, people would be better able to understand both nature and one another

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THE ENLIGHTENMENT

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  1. THE ENLIGHTENMENT Important movement in 18th century European thought

  2. INTRODUCTION • The spark came from the Scientific Revolution • Enlightenment thinkers believed that by applying reason and scientific laws, people would be better able to understand both nature and one another • Applied scientific method to society and its problems • Questioned traditional institutions, customs, and morals (divine right of kings, hereditary privileges of nobility, and power of the Catholic Church)

  3. THE BIG QUESTION • How modern was The Enlightenment?

  4. BELIEFS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT • Nature and society operated according to certain basic universal principles – “natural laws” • People can use their reason to discover these laws and apply the knowledge to improve quality of life

  5. Roots of democratic-republican government • Many of the thinkers were French and influenced by earlier French Protestants • Argued that citizens could challenge the actions of an “ungodly” king • Our experiences shape our personalities • Peasants could be just as good as noblemen if given the same experiences • Favored religious toleration and opposed torture

  6. KEY THINKERS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT • Thomas Hobbes • John Locke • Voltaire • Jean-Jacques Rousseau • Baron de Montesquieu • Adam Smith

  7. Impact of the enlightenment • Ideas were applied by Thomas Jefferson in the American Declaration of Independence • Recognized existence of natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) • Stated the purpose of government was to protect these rights

  8. Impact continued… • Enlightened Despotism • Absolute monarchs who tried to use Enlightenment ideas to reform their societies “from above” • Came from countries without a strong middle class • Felt it was up to rulers to introduce positive changes • Promoted religious tolerance, established scientific academies, and promoted social reform (rarely supported sharing of political power)

  9. ENLIGHENMENT THINKERS 1600-1770 Thinker Dates: Ideas: Thomas Hobbes John Locke Voltaire Jean-Jacques Rousseau Baron de Montesquieu Adam Smith

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