The Age of Enlightenment

Origins of the Enlightenment

Science Newton’s Principia If the universe

could be explained by math, then how about: Human Behavior? Politics? Religion?

Origins of the Enlightenment

Religion Deism – God is

distant and uninvolved

Pantheism – God and nature are the same

God’s works will be revealed through science, not scripture

Characteristics of The Enlightenment

Rationalism – reason in all things Secularism – science in religion Utilitarianism – greatest good for the

greatest number Tolerance (As long as you are a white

man) Optimism – man is good Freedom – end of absolutism Constitutionalism – written rights

Thomas Hobbes & John Locke

Hobbes Poor English Oxford Well Traveled Man is evil

Locke Rich English Oxford Well Traveled Man is good

Social Contract The agreements by which people

form nations and maintain a social order

People agree to give up some rights to the government to receive social order

Thomas Hobbes

“From the equality of ability arises the equality of hope in the attaining of our ends…if any two men desire the same thing…they become enemies.”

Thomas Hobbes

“From the equality of ability arises the equality of hope in the attaining of our ends…if any two men desire the same thing…they become enemies.”

Hobbes Without law we’d

live like animals Without government

we’d live in a state of nature

So… Only a powerful

government (absolute monarch) could ensure an orderly society

John Locke

“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one… No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions…”

John Locke

“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one… No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions…”

LockeRights A claim to

have or obtain something

Natural Rights Life – freedom

from threats Liberty –

freedom from domination

Property – freedom for economic gain

Locke

Government Cannot exist without the consent of

the governed Should have limited power The people can overthrow a

government if: The people anticipate it will soon fail It violates people’s natural rights