t he e ighteenth c entury : an era of enlightenment
TRANSCRIPT
THE EIGHTEENTH THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY:CENTURY:An Era of An Era of EnlightenmentEnlightenment
INTRODUCTIONo Imagine you walk into Target and
notice a duffle bag in the entry way. Upon closer observation you realize it is full of cash. What do you do? And, why do you do it?
o Based on our conversation, do you think humans are naturally good or bad? Why?
PHILOSOPHES o Paris, Franceo French thinkers with five beliefs:
1. Truth through reason2. What is natural is good; human
actions are shaped by natural laws3. Therefore, acting according to
nature can bring happiness4. By taking a scientific view, people
and society can progress5. Liberty through reason
THE SPREAD OF ENLIGHTENED IDEAS: THE SALON
Philosophes gathered to debate ways to improve government and society
THE SPREAD OF ENLIGHTENED IDEAS…CONTINUES The growing Middle
Class generates a greater interest in equality
Denis Diderot and The Encyclopedia
The Novel: Story that explores the thoughts and feelings of its characters
Classical Music: Mozart and Beethoven
THE SPREAD OF ENLIGHTENED IDEAS…CONTINUES
Neoclassical Art: Thomas Jefferson’s estate, Monticello
ACTIVITY: Directions: Each group must discuss the quotes below.
Then, create an image to illustrate its meaning. Thomas Hobbes: Without governments, there would
be “war…of every man against every man” Voltaire: “I do not agree with a word you say but will
defend to the death your right to say it” Montesquieu: “Power should be a check to power.” Rousseau: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in
chains” John Locke: “…no one ought to harm another in
his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” Mary Wollstonecraft: ““I love man as my fellow;
but his scepter, real, or usurped, extends not to me, unless the reason of an individual demands my homage; and even then the submission is to reason, and not to man.”
IMPACT OF ENLIGHTENED THOUGHT Ideas influence start of two
major revolutions Progress is attainable Made the world less religious
and more secular Individualism: Emphasized
the ability of every human to affect change
Enlightened Despots: Monarchs who recognize the rights of their people
KEY PHILOSOPHERS
Voltaire: Freedom of thought & expression
Montesquieu: Separation of powers (The Spirit of the Laws)
Rousseau: Civilization imprisons people (The Social Contract)
Beccaria: Abolishment of torture
Diderot: Compile knowledge into a single work (Encyclopedia)
Wollstonecraft: Women’s equality in education