The Enlightenment

The Age Of

THINKING!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Enlightenment

• Time Period during the 18th Century or between 1700-1799.

• People were asking questions.

• How do we make life better?

Where did the Enlightenment Begin?

• The Enlightenment began in France.

• Philosophes were French Thinkers who came up with new ideas.

• They believed people are naturally good.

• If people used reason to live, they would have a better life.

Impact of New Ideas

The Enlightenment ideas in Europe strongly influenced the American and

French Revolutions.

Why might new ideas inspire revolution?

Hobbes

• Opposite of most Enlightened Thinkers

• Believed people were evil and selfish.

• Give up rights to a strong ruler.

• Strong Ruler = Law and Order

Hobbes Quote

“It is not wisdom but authority that

makes a law.”

John Locke

• Government must protect a citizen’s Life, Liberty, and Property.

• If government violates people’s rights, people have the right to rebel.

• Against Absolute Rulers

Locke Quote

“Every man has a property in his own

person. This nobody has a right to, but

himself.”

Voltaire

• Tolerance

• Freedom of speech and religion

Voltaire Quote

• “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to

say it.”

Montesquieu

• Political liberty

• Believed in democracy

• Checks and balances

Montesquieu Quote

“Power should be a check to power.”

Rousseau

• Individual Freedom

• People are good but are corrupted by society

• All people are created equal

• Social Contract: Give up some freedoms for common good.

Rousseau Quote

“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.”

Mary Wollstonecraft

• Promoted education of women

• Equal rights and opportunities for women

• Women are just as smart as men!

Wollstonecraft Quote

“Strengthen the female mind by

enlarging it.”

Think About It. . . .

In your opinion, which Enlightened

Thinker had the most valuable

ideas?

Why?