THE ENLIGHTENMENTThe English

England 1650-1800

Prelude Following the death of Elizabeth I, James I, a staunch

Catholic, assumes the throne and begins the persecution of the Protestants.

1649: The English Civil War Charles I is executed and Oliver Cromwell is placed in

charge of the Commonwealth Though started with lofty goals, eventually devolves into

dictatorship It lasts for 10 years before England reverts to the monarchy

and Charles II is placed on the throne

Thomas Hobbes Bio b.1588-d.1679

Begins life as a tutor, but becomes interested in philosophy and starts writing. In 1840, he fears he has angered Parliament so he flees to Paris.

Writings Leviathan, 1850

Ideas Believes man is inherently bad and will only behave if

“awed” by an absolute ruler. Sovereign has only one task, to protect his citizens, if

he fails than allegiance should transfer to another. Atheist, religion should only be used for propaganda. Human life is “nasty, brutish and short.”

John Locke

Bio b. 1632-d. 1704 Received a prestigious education and while dabbling in medicine,

a mentor introduced him to political thought. His early works focus on religious tolerance in response to the bickering in England at the time.

Writings Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690 Two Treatises of Government, 1690

Ideas Man is inherently good. Necessity of government requires compromise for the

betterment of the whole. Representative government with separation of powers. Founding fathers drew on this for the U.S. Constitution Humans have the inalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and

Property.”

David Hume

Bio b. 1711-1776 Scottish, philosopher and historian. Friend of Adam

Smith. Spent time in France as well. Writings

A Treatise of Human Nature, 1738 Essays Moral and Political, 1744 Political Discourses, 1752

Ideas Reason is not motivation alone, must be driven by

morals and passion. Stresses importance of the rule of law. Doesn’t matter what government is in charge, so long

as it’s fair.