The Age of Reason

1. The Age of Reason 1750-1800 Rationalism – thrived on freedom Goal= progress

2. Influence on Society • Writers of this period were all conscious of belonging to what is called The Age of Reason • Whether English or American, they believed that by using reason, human beings could manage themselves and their society without depending on authority or past traditions.

3. FREEDOM! • They thrived on freedom • Freedom of speech • Freedom from arbitrary rulers • Freedom to experiment • Freedom to question existing laws and institutions By the free use of reason, humans could progress, social evils could be corrected, superstition and ignorance ended, and quality of life improved

4. Writers of the time period • Concerned themselves with life on earth • Had little interest in the supernatural or the after-life • Had much interest in science, ethics, or government • Were given the chance to test their ideas about freedom and progress by creating a new society. • The Revolutionary War was not only fought with muskets, but with thousands of pamphlets, essays, songs, poems, and speeches

5. Major Writers of the Time Period • Thomas Paine • Patrick Henry • Thomas Jefferson • Benjamin Franklin • Phyllis Wheatley • Michel-Guillaume Jean de Crevecoeur

6. Philosophers & Their Influence • John Locke – 1632-1704 • British philosopher • Ideas were heavily influential on the Revolutionaries as well as included in the Declaration of Independence • Locke believed each of us should use reason to search for truth rather than simply accept opinions of authority • Locke believed if you use reason to find truth this will optimize human flourishing for the individual, as well as society • Believed in the social contract theory – implies that among humanity’s natural rights was the right of people to overthrow their leaders • Believed in the “tabula rasa” – the mind is a blank slate – the individual is the author to his or her own soul

7. Thomas Hobbes – 1588-1679 • British Philosopher • Believed strongly in existence of government • Should make a “social contract” to establish peace and keep order • Men in a state of nature, that is a state without a civil government, are in a war against all in which life is hardly worth living • How would the founding fathers differ with him??

8. Benjamin Franklin – 1706-1790 – “The First American” • Born at the close of Puritanism – son of a soap and candle maker • Wanted to attain moral perfection through discipline (rather than God’s grace) • First real person to achieve the American dream • Used concise prose with clarity and organization • Became a world-famous scientist, diplomat, philosopher, and writer • Felt writing should be “smooth, clear, and short”

9. Thomas Paine 1737-1809 • Emigrated to America after meeting Benjamin Franklin • Early in 1775, published an article blasting slavery as equal to murder and asking Americans to give it up • Later that year, wrote a pamphlet (47 pages), Common Sense, suggesting that the idea of monarchy insults human dignity and war MUST come – Common Sense sold 120,000 copies in three months • Famous quotes: • “Though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.” • “These are the times that try men’s souls…”

10. Patrick Henry – 1736-1799 • Born in Virginia • Was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses before he was thirty • Lawyer • Great public speaker – had a clear, powerful voice • Famous quote: “I know not the course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” – given in 1775 to the Virginia Convention – advocating separation from England