ENLIGHTENMENT 1650-1800

Intellectual Movement

Age of Reason

Trust in Science

Commitment to Progress

Questioning Divine RightRethinking Religion

Belief in Goodness of Human Nature

Emerging from:

Caste system

Superstition

Ignorance

Intolerance

Many Enlightenment philosophers opposed the Catholic church. They believed the Church kept knowledge from the people to maintain their power. The Enlightenment was, in part, about fighting the Church’s teachings.

John Locke – English – 1632-1704

Natural Rights – Life, Liberty,Property

Rulers derive their powerfrom the consent of the

people

There are times where it is justified to overthrow

the government

Montesquieu – 1689-1755 -French

Legal codes evolve overtime and are not

preordained by God

Jean-Jacques Rousseau – 1712-1778• Inequality is wrong and inefficient

and harmful to society• Will of majority not always right.• Well known for his work in

education• Goal of gov’t

– Secure freedom, equality and justice for all regardless of the will of the majority

Voltaire – 1694-1778 - French

Religious Tolerance

Against cruel and unusual punishment

Freedom of speech

“I may disagree w/ what you say, but I will defend till death your right to say it.”

U.S. Constitution

• What two movements came before the Enlightenment movement?

• Protestant Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.

• What are two other phrases used to describe the Enlightenment?

• _________of Reason• _________Movement

• What two U.S. Documents were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment and the Enlightenment thinkers?

• Declaration of Independence• Constitution