Introduction to the Enlightenment ideas

Introduction to Enlightenment Ideas : 

Introduction to Enlightenment Ideas

The Philosophes - Overview : 

The Philosophes - Overview These are the most prominent of the Enlightenment Philosophers, known as Philosophes: John Locke Jean-Jacques Rousseau Thomas Hobbes Denis Diderot Voltaire Baron de Montesqeue … who influenced the important ideas from such scholars as: Mary Wollstonecraft Adam Smith But first, here are some basic ideas of Enlightenment philosophy…

The State of Nature : 

The State of Nature Refers to the state of human existence without (or before) the existence of laws or government. … imagine prehistoric man …or … humans as wild animals Used as a basis for examining the development and validity of government.

Natural Laws : 

Natural Laws Originally a philosophic idea which claims that there is a certain order in nature which governs human behavior (regardless of laws or government) Natural law, thus, would be a standard for human law. First proposed by Aristotle and further discussed later by St. Thomas Aquinas (1274 A.D.) Later expanded in the Enlightenment by John Locke and Thomas Hobbes Locke and Hobbes added that “natural law”, or laws governing human nature, came from a natural sense of self-preservation and were guided by reason. Refer to what natural human tendencies would be in a state of nature.

Social Contract : 

Social Contract To counteract these difficulties, man entered into an agreement with other humans: a “social contract” This social contract required man to give up some freedom (freedom to do as one pleased to survive, such as: steal, murder, or assault) In exchange for order, or a sense of security. This “social contract” was therefore a rudimentary form of government. According to Hobbes… The State of Nature made the life of man “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”

Natural Rights : 

Natural Rights Entitlements belonging to all humans regardless of (or in the absence of) government or legal institutions. Came from the concept of Natural Law and the Social Contract. Challenged the notion of Divine Right

John Locke : 

John Locke Believed that humans were, by nature, good and rational. Claimed that government existed to protect Man’s Natural Rights to life, liberty, and property. Claimed that government gets its power from the consent, or approval, of the governed. Favored a limited monarchy – monarch’s power limited by a constitution and parliament. People have the right to revolution if it’s found that the government is not serving their needs.

Hobbes : 

Hobbes English Philosopher Argued that humans act primarily out of self-preservation and therefore are by nature bad. Claims the purpose of government is to preserve order, that is: freedom with respect to others. Favored an absolute monarchy – maintained order by reducing disagreements – subject to the will of one sovereign leader.

Montesquieu : 

Montesquieu Supported the idea of separation of powers: Governmental power divided among Executive, Legislature, and judiciary Claimed the role of government was to protect liberty, and thereby avoid tyranny. Each of the 3 parts was to have power and oversight over the others in order to avoid tyranny.

Jean Jacques Rousseau : 

Jean Jacques Rousseau Claimed that Man is guided by both self-preservation and compassion (and was therefore, naturally good in a state of nature) Claimed that the development of society corrupted Man by developing inequality among humans. Believed that sovereignty (power to rule) should be in the hands of the people. Therefore the people need to have control over the government. The purpose of government is to implement and enforce the will of the people. Believes that Man gives up claims on natural rights by entering into government (ie: the social contract)

Diderot : 

Diderot French philosopher and editor of the first “Encyclopedie” He was originally asked to translate into French the “Cyclopaedia” by Ephraim Chambers, a collection of knowledge of the known Universe. Diderot instead added ideas of current (at that time) Enlightenment philosophers and scholars, whose ideas existed mainly in letters, books, and scholarly journals. (not in the mainstream). Diderot experienced many attempts by the French Monarchy to stop publication He attempted to publish viewpoints regarding the value of democracy, religious tolerance, and freedom of thought. His experience and published ideas served as an example of the importance of freedom of speech.

Slide 12: 

The Encyclopedie – sample pages

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) : 

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) French writer, philosopher Criticized the unfairness of the French government Promoted rights such as freedom of religion and right to a fair trial Hated slavery Favored government by an “enlightened monarch”, later known as enlightened despot, advised by learned philosophers. Enlightened despot: absolute monarch who embraced some ideas of the enlightenment and used them to his/her advantage. Some enlightened despots included Frederick the Great (Voltaire’s friend and employer), and Catherine the Great.

Wollstonecraft : 

Wollstonecraft Attacked aristocracy and promoted republican democracy Wrote Vindication of the Rights of Woman Considered to be one of the first feminists Believed that women were not naturally inferior to men (contrary to popular belief at the time)

Adam Smith : 

Adam Smith Economist “Physiocrat” – attempted to apply Enlightenment ideas to economics “Father of economics” Criticized the use of mercantilism by monarchies. Believed man tended to act out of selfishness and greed. Believed that government should not involve itself in economics Claimed that “invisible hand” of supply and demand (free market) would regulate prices and stabilize economy. Supported “laissez –faire” economics in which government remains uninvolved.