The englightenment Flashcards
When was the Enlightenment?
From 1650 to 1800
What’s another name for the Enlightenment?
The Age of Reason
Which other time periods were the enlightenment inspired by?
The Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, Protestant reformation and the Age of Absolute Monarchs
Who are the major philosophers of the Enlightenment?
John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Cesáreo Beccaria, Isaac Newton, Lady Wollenstenecraft
What was the enlightenment?
It was the age when people started to rethink old ideas about government, economics and religion and question the power of the monarchy.
What were the intellectuals of the enlightenment called?
Philosophers or philosophes
What were some basic beliefs of the Enlightenment
That
1. New truths could be discovered and proven using logic and reason.
2. The world can be improved and that life should be enjoyed.
3. People are born with natural rights.
4. Anything could be explained with the observation of natural laws.
What was the change in idea about the right to govern?
The idea went from monarchs rule being justified by birth and divine right to the idea that a government’s power actually comes from the consent of the governed.
Who was Thomas Hobbes and what did he believe?
Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who justified the “need” for an absolute monarchy because he believed human beings were naturally greedy for power, selfish and cruel which is why like children, they need a “father figure” to keep them in-line.
Who was John Locke and what did he believe?
Locke was an English philosopher who believed people should be able to overthrow kings or rulers who abuse their power. Locke thought that people are born with natural rights like liberty(freedom), life and property and that they are reasonable and able to make important decisions .
Who was Voltaire?
Voltaire was a French philosopher who argued for the rights of freedom of speech and religion. He believed intolerance, prejudice and oppression were wrong. He once said, “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it.”
Which other philosopher agreed with John Locke?
Barón de Montesquieu did. He believed that governments should protect individuals liberties and that too much power led to cruelty and corruption. Both him and Locke supported the idea of a constitutional government/ monarchy.
Who believed in the separation of powers among the 3 branches of government?
Barón de Montesquieu. His model inspired American and European constitutional governments all over the world with the Legislative, executive and judicial.
Who was Jean- Jacques Rosseau?
He was a Swiss philosopher who believed in individual freedom. He thought people were naturally good but power corrupts them.
Who advocated for women’s rights?
Lady Wollenstenecraft.
