The Age of Enlightenment/Reason Flashcards
What was the philosophy of the old regime about poverty?
If they are poor they are peaceful
What is the Age of Enlightenment?
1687-1789–efforts in critical thinking based on the Scientific Revolution to reform society. Centered in France. Encouraged thinking for yourself to judge church and society.
Where did people discuss stuff?
salons
Who are the Philosophes
people who want to look forward to a better society and not look at the past as a model
Bernard de Fontanelle
we can use the past to improve the future
Voltaire
French philosopher, religion impedes progress, intolerance is terrible. Praised English Constitutionalism
Adam Smith
Scottish economist. The Wealth of Nations–capitalism, laissez-faire, invisible hand
Immanuel Kant
“What is Enlightenment”
Pierre Bayle
morality, regardless of religion. Dictionary–first encyclopedia
Montesquieu
Persian Letters– critiqued Europe, separation of powers
Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels– criticized England’s treatment of his home and English colony Ireland
Beccaria
Crime and Punishment–capital punishment/torture are dumb–fix them
What are the Jesuits up to?
virtuous and rigorous education that trained most philosophes (Voltaire was expelled lol)
What control does religion still have?
Religion dictates people’s lives outside of England/Netherlands, and the Spanish inquisition is still live–criticized
Voltaire’s ideas on religion
deism–God has placed us in a world to choose our rejection salvation. One universal religion.
David Hume’s ideas on religion
Scottish–miracles are stupid, so Christianity is stupid.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Social Contract–inherent good in people, society corrupts them, give up will for common good
movements to enhance religion again
German piety
Wesley founded English Methodism
Whitefield’s Great Awakening
revelations and return to church
Catherine the Great
legal reform and create efficient monarchy
What was the ideology of enlightened despots?
Wanted better lives for people, but not to compromise nobility. Still went to war (abolished Poland)
Frederick the Great
obligation to work for subjects’ good. Abolished torture.
Joseph II
King of Austria (HRE) and son of Maria Teresa–equality before law, torture gone, toleration, freedoms, abolished SERFDOM
