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