…Simply superior to British Empiricism and German Idealism

Emphasis on reason, toleration, natural law, and confidence in modern man.

Promoted an idea of Change and Progress.

Obtained this change by questioning traditional customs, morals, and institutions

Reason is the primary basis of authority. Many ideas pertained to political economy,

government, and the sciences

Born November 21, 1964 in Paris. Voltaire is the pen name of Francois-

Marie Arouet. Studied and majored in law but pursued

literary career. Was imprisoned for writings on Philippe

II, but continued to write in prison. Died in 1778, with the last words "For

God's sake, let me die in peace."

French Enlightenment writer, essayist, deist, and philosopher known for his wit, philosophical sport, and defense of civil liberties.

Outspoken supporter of social reform. Is said to have written over 20,000

letters as well as over 2,000 books and pamphlets.

Criticized organized religion, but not religion itself. "If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him."

Voltaire focused on the idea of a universe based on reason and a respect for nature. This reflected the contemporary Pantheism.

Thought of the bible as outdated, a metaphor, and not a divine gift.

"What is faith? Is it to believe that which is evident? No. It is perfectly evident to my mind that there exists a necessary, eternal, supreme, and intelligent being. This is no matter of faith, but of reason."

Jean-Jacques RousseauJean-Jacques Rousseau

LifeLife Born June 28, 1712 in Geneva,

Switzerland Mom died and dad left at an early age Read a lot as a child Had many children, but left all at

orphanages at young ages

Theory of Natural ManTheory of Natural Man Believed that man was good when in the

state of nature, or whenever he was free from the vices of political society

Believed man was corrupted by society Society’s negative influence comes from its

transformation of amour de soi (positive self love) into amour-propre (pride)

For example, argued that the arts and sciences were not beneficial to humans, because they weren’t basic needs, but the results of pride and vanity

Political Theory: “Social Political Theory: “Social Contract”Contract” Said that the state of nature was a state

without law or morality As society developed, humans were

required to adopt laws, which has led to a degeneration of society

In this society, man is lead to compete with his fellow man, while also being dependent upon them

This double pressure has threatened man’s survival and freedom

EducationEducation Aim of education is to learn how to live

righteously Believed in the natural subordination of

women, educating them to be governed by their husband while the man is educated to be self-governed

Man must be taught how to avoid vices of urban individualism and self-consciousness