Text pages 518-525
World History Standard 13- Examine the intellectual, political,
social, and economic factors that changed the world view of
Europeans.
b. Identify the major ideas of the Enlightenment from the writings
of Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau and their relationship to politics
& society.
Enlightenment
Path to the Enlightenment
• Enlightenment- 18th century
philosophical movement of intellectuals
who were greatly impressed with the
achievements of the Scientific Revolution
• They hoped to make life better by using
the Scientific Method to understand all
life.
• Especially influenced by two 17th century
Englishman- Isaac Newton and John
Locke.
Enlightenment
• Ca. 1680 – 1800
• Evolved over time
• Most leaders were French but
recognize it began with the
British
• International movement
John Locke
• In 1690, Locke wrote Concerning
Human Understanding, which argued
that every man was born with a blank
mind.
• According to Locke if environments
were changed & people were exposed
to the right influences, then people
could be changed & a new society
created.
John Locke
Voltaire (1694 – 1778)
• Greatest figure of the Enlightenment
• Prosperous middle class Parisian family
• Especially well known for his criticism of
Christianity
• In 1763, penned his Treatise on Toleration,
in which he reminded governments that all
men are brothers under god.
• Championed deism, an 18th century
religious philosophy based on reason and
natural law
Voltaire
Jean Jacques Rousseau
(1712- 1778)
• Swiss; described as “appealing but neurotic”
• Most famous philosopher of the later
Enlightenment
• Argued people had adopted laws &
government in order to preserve their private
property. In the process we become enslaved
to the government.
• Wrote The Social Contract in 1762
• Believed emotions & reason were important to
human development.
Rousseau
Relationship of Enlightenment
to Society
• Greatest appeal with the
aristocrats & upper class.
• Growth of publishing & the
reading public
• Development of magazines
• First newspapers were printed
Impact of the Enlightenment
• Believed in natural rights for all people.
• These rights included:
• Equality before the law
• Freedom of religious worship
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of press
• Right to assemble, hold property, and pursue
happiness
• Believed government should be ran by enlightened
rulers who obey laws & enforce them fairly
• Declaration of Independence based on these ideas.