I. Scientific Revolution Sparks the Enlightenment

a. Natural law i. Rules discovered by reason help to

better understand social, political, and economic issues

ii. Methods from science led to enlightenment thinking

a. Thomas Hobbes Believes in Powerful Government

i. Leviathan – wrote people were naturally cruel, greedy and selfish.

ii.“Absolute Monarchy” was the best form of government to bring order

(John) Calvin and (Thomas) Hobbes

Depiction of Leviathan in Old Testament. Title of Hobbes’ book about greedy and cruel human nature.

b. Locke Advocates Natural Rightsi. Optimistic view of human natureii. Natural Rights – right to life, liberty, and

propertyiii. Gov’t should be limited in poweriv. Citizens have right to overthrow gov’t if it

fails obligations

A. French Philosophers in the 1700’s

Montesquieu Voltaire Diderot Rousseau

i. Sharply criticized Absolute Monarchy of France

ii. Spirit of Laws – discussed history of gov’ts

iii. Best gov’t should have Separation of Powers1. Legislative, executive, and judicial2. System of “Checks and Balances”

i. Exposed the abuses of corrupt officials and idle

aristocratsii. Candide - his book used

sarcasm to expose gov’t corruption

iii. Strong advocate for Freedom of Speech

iv. Imprisoned and forced into exile

i. Composed 28 volumed encyclopedia1. Leading philosophe2. Denounced slavery, praised

freedom of expression and urged education for all

i. People were naturally goodii. Faith in the “general will” or best

conscience of peopleiii. Corrupted by the evils of societyiv. Social Contract – wrote that only

gov’ts that had been freely elected could have some control over peoples behavior

v. His work would help fan the flames of revolt

a. French thinkers focused on economic reforms

i. Mercantilism – requires gov’t regulation of economy

ii. Laissez Faire – allows business to operate with little of no government

intervention

i. Greatly admired the Physiocratsii. Wealth of Nations – wrote that free market

should be allowed to regulate business activityiii. Manufacturing, trade, wages, profits and

economic growths all market forces linked to supply and demand

iv. Gov’t DID HAVE DUTY to protect society, administer justice and provide public works