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The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment. Mr. Hardy Randolph Middle School 2012-2013. The Beginning of the Enlightenment. 1500-1700: European scientists using reason to discover laws of nature Very successful: Planetary movements, chemistry, vaccine for smallpox, etc.

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The Enlightenment

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  1. The Enlightenment Mr. Hardy Randolph Middle School 2012-2013

  2. The Beginning of the Enlightenment • 1500-1700: European scientists using reason to discover laws of nature • Very successful: Planetary movements, chemistry, vaccine for smallpox, etc. • Early 1700’s: If people used reason to find laws that governed the physical world, why not use reason to discover natural laws? • Laws that govern human nature • Reformers begin studying human nature and societal problems

  3. Major Enlightenment Ideas • Every social, political and economic problem could be solved through the use of reason • Governments are created to secure an orderly society • Separation of powers is the best way to protect human liberties • All men are created “free and equal” • A free market should be allowed to regulate trade

  4. The Spread of the Enlightenment

  5. Enlightenment Thinkers Thomas Hobbes John Locke

  6. Social Contract Thomas Hobbes John Locke • Humans are naturally cruel, greedy and selfish. • To escape this “brutish” life people entered into a social contract. • Only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society. • Believed only an absolute monarchy could keep a society completely orderly. • Humans are naturally reasonable, moral and good • Humans have natural rights: life liberty and property • People form governments to protect natural rights • Best government was one with limited power • If a government violates people’s natural rights, people have the right to overthrow government

  7. Jean Jacques Rousseau • believed politics and morality are not separate • he is considered an opponent of the Enlightenments emphasis on reason • rely more on instinct and emotion • government is a contract between the ruler and citizens • wrote The Social Contract

  8. Enlightenment and the Economy • Physiocrats were Enlightenment thinkers who focused on economic reforms • Laissez-Faire: allowing business to operate with little or no government interference

  9. Activity • THIS ACTIVITY WILL BE EXPLAINED BY MR. HARDY AND DONE IN CLASS • Complete the Body Biography Activity on either Locke, Rousseau, or Hobbes. You pick! • DO NOT GLUE IT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK!

  10. The Enlightenment Day #2 Mr. Hardy Randolph Middle School 2012-2013

  11. Enlightenment and Society • Detested the slave trade and slavery • Deplored religious prejudice • Defended freedom of speech • Attacked divine right theory • Urged education for all • Hated unequal distribution of property • Believed governments should be freely elected • Women’s first duty was to her family

  12. Enlightenment Changes Society • Women: Women were not equal and were criticized for attempting to gain equality • Salons: Gatherings to discuss ideas • Music: Ballets and operas become popular • Art: Baroque gives way to rococo art (simple, elegant and charming) • Literature: Novels become popular

  13. Enlightenment Changes Society • Majority/Lower Class/Peasants: Slow to change and hurt the worst • Some peasants become eager for change, some resist change completely

  14. Baron de Montesquieu: • Criticized absolute monarchy and admired British government • British protected themselves from tyranny by dividing powers of government between three branches: legislative, executive and judicial (misconception) • Each branch of government should be able to ‘check’ the other two • What government does this sound like?

  15. Voltaire • Advocated freedom of thought, speech, politics, and religion. • Against the Roman Catholic church and Christianity- religious tolerance • He was imprisoned in the Bastille in Paris and exiled because ofhis attacks on the French government and the Catholic Church.

  16. Mary Wolstonecraft • disagreed with societies treatment of women • believed marriage was particularly unfair to women • advocated equal education for women and men • wrote Vindication of the Rights of Women • believed that both sexes could contribute equally to society

  17. Activity • THIS ACTIVITY WILL BE EXPLAINED BY MR. HARDY AND DONE IN CLASS • Complete the Philosopher’s Chart. Write in complete sentences. • Your icon should be no bigger than the box provided and should symbolize the thoughts of that Philosopher.

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