Enlightenment“Age of Reason”
ThesisIndividuals used the proven
problem solving methods from the Scientific Revolution to discover similar truths about politics.
Rene DescartesFrance
Philosophy
Discourse on Method
"I think therefore I am“
Search for "Truth"
Rationalism
Sir Francis Bacon
Great Britain
Philosophy
Observation and ideas based on thorough investigation of the evidence
Scientific Method
The Scientific Method Song:
State the problem
Make a prediction
Experiment, Experiment
Record Observations, Record Observations
Form a conclusion, Form a conclusion
*Sung to the tune of Fere Jacques
Thomas HobbesEnglish political
thinkerWrote the LeviathanStated that
◦ Humans cannot be trusted
◦ Powerful governments are needed to keep people safe.
◦ Humans enter into a social contract with society in order to be kept safe.
◦ Government should control the people.
John LockeEnglish political thinkerWrote Two Treatises on
GovernmentStated that
◦ Government is created to protect a person’s natural rights
◦ Every human has the rights to life, liberty and property
◦ If a government fails to protect a person’s natural rights, the government can be overthrown
◦ People should control the government.
Baron de MontesquieuFrench political
thinkerWrote The Spirit of
the LawsStated that
◦ Government should be separated into different branches to divide the power of government.
◦ Different governmental braches should have checks on each other to keep these branches from abusing their power.
VoltaireFrench political
thinkerWrote many works
and had to use a pseudonym to protect his life from persecution
Stated that◦ People should be free
to worship as they see fit
◦ People should be able to say what they want without fear on injury
Denis DiderotFrench political
thinkerEditor of The
EncyclopediaStated…nothing
◦ His work was a collection of various Enlightenment works all in one place.
◦ This allowed the ideas of the Enlightenment to be spread.
Adam SmithScottish economic
philosopherWrote The Wealth of
NationsStated that
◦ Government should not be involved in business or trade. Laissez-Faire economics
◦ The market will regulate itself The “invisible hand”
The founder of capitalism
Adam Smith’s Supply & Demand Schedule
Advanced Supply & Demand
Cesare BeccariaItalian political
philosopherWrote On Crimes
and PunishmentStated that
◦ The death penalty does not work at preventing crime.
Jean-Jacques RousseauFrench political
philosopherWrote The Social
ContractStated that
◦ Developed the basic ideas for socialism.
◦ Socialism: The will of the majority is more important than the individual.
Mary WollstonecraftEnglish political
philosopherWrote A Vindication
of the Rights of Women
Stated that ◦ Women can be
positive contributors to society if they are educated.
Madame de GeoffrinFrench political socialiteHeld meetings in her home to
discuss Enlightenment thought.Held in salons
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