Chapter 17 Flashcards
Enlightenment
“Man leaving his self- caused immaturity “ . Having courage to use your own intelligent
“Dare to know” - Immanuel Kant.
Goal- to better society.
Bernard de Fontelle
-Plurality of worlds
-Translated scientific discoveries into clear language for the educated elites.
-Contributed to growing skepticism toward religion.
Skepticism
Doubtful or questionable attitude
Especially toward religion.
Pierre Bayle
Attacked superstition, religious intolerance and dogmatism
-believed that compelling people to believe a particular set of religious idea is wrong.
Cultural relativism
Belief that no culture is superior to another because culture is a matter of custom, not reason and derives its meaning from the group holding it.
Tabulsa rasa
Blank mind
- people are born with blank minds, no prejudice so knowledge is derived from environment, not hereditary, reason or faith.
-People are molded by the environment and experience both of which can be changed by creating new society
Philosophes
Mostly Nobles who wanted social reforms, intellectuals. They desired to change the world.
Capital of enlightenment- Paris France
Baron de Montesquieu
Advocate for slavers and religious tolerance.
Separation of powers - 3 branches of govt and they limit each other
Voltaire
-From middle class family and wrote plays. Criticized traditional religion and praised religious tolerance
-“All men are brothers under God” Treatise of toleration
-Deism: belef that God, the creator of the universe, after making it ceased to have any involvement in it and allowed it to run according to its own natural laws.
Denis Diderot
Encyclopedia: volumes of books dedicated to a topic. ( goal: to change the general way of thinking) its lowered price helped spread enlightenment ideas.
François Quesnay
Criticized mercantilism, in favour of supply and demand.
-Laissez-faire : no government interference in economy, let people/ businesses do as they choose,economy self- regulation according to supply and demand.
Adam Smith
-promotion of free trade
-believed that labor was the source of wealth of a nation
-laissez-faire
-beleived that govt has 3 functions; protect society, defend people from injustice and oppression, keep up public works
- BIRTH OF CAPITALISM
Baron Paul d’Holbach
Atheism “God is a human mind construct”
Only reason is necessary for life and morality does not require religion.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Low class orphan
Social contract - famous work; giving up piece of freedom for the betterment of society ex: speed limit
-believed in inferiority of women
Mary Astell
Work: A serous proposal to the ladies
Called for women education
Criticized the hypocrisy of men fighting against absolutism in government but living as absolute rulers in the home.
