Chapter 22 � Section 2

							Chapter 22 – Section 2
The Enlightenment in Europe

The Age of Reason – or the Enlightenment
Can we use reason and the scientific method to all aspects of life – including government, religion,
economics, and education? Are there laws governing human behavior as well?

    I.      Two Views on Government – early 1600s – Thomas Hobbes / John Locke
            a. Hobbes – bleak outlook on life (man is evil by nature)
                    i. Government is around to keep order
                   ii. People give rights to strong ruler who keeps order
                  iii. “Social Contract” – people create government – ruler is given total power to
                       keep order and control. Worked best with ABSOLUTE MONARCHY
            b. Locke – More positive view on human nature
                    i. People could learn / improve / govern themselves (start of self-government)
                   ii. All people born free w/3 natural rights (LIFE, LIBERTY, PROPERY) –
                       gov’t is supposed to protect these rights – or be overthrown by citizens
                  iii. Wrote Two Treatises on Government – served as justification for
                       overthrowing King James II in Glorious Revolution
                  iv. Ideas became basis for modern democracy (consent of the governed)

    II.     The Philosophes
            a. French Philosophers – wanted to inject reason into all aspects of life
                     i. Reason – truth through logical thinking
                    ii. Nature – natural laws of economics/politics/motion/math/etc.
                   iii. Happiness – wanted earthly well-being
                   iv. Progress – humanity can be improved/perfected over time
                    v. Liberty – set society free through new rights
            b. Voltaire
                     i. Used satire in attacks against clergy, aristocracy, government
                    ii. Raised doubts about Christianity – made enemies in France
            c. Montesquieu
                     i. Studied political liberty
                    ii. Admired Britain’s 3-branch system of government
                   iii. Came up with Separation of Powers: liked how it prevented one branch
                        from becoming too powerful (power should be checked) – basis for U.S.A.
            d. Rousseau
                     i. People became less free with more civilization (most free when in a
                        primitive state of nature)
                    ii. Believed in a broad – direct democracy – for the common good
                   iii. Wanted no more nobility / all total equality / etc.
            e. Mary Wollstonecraft
                     i. Women’s education shouldn’t be secondary to men
                    ii. Should be doctors, not just nurses
                   iii. Women should participate in politics

    III.    Impact of Enlightenment
            a. American / French Revolutions
            b. Better societies
            c. More secular (non-religious) outlook – challenges to religion made
            d. Individualism