The Age of Enlightenment an Elderly Sir Isaac Newton
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Unjust Law As a Justification for Civil Disobedience
Mgbakoigba: Journal of African Studies, Volume 4, 2015. UNJUST LAW AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE Arinze Agbanusi Department of Philosophy Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Introduction Laws are bodies of rules for human conduct. They are meant to guide human actions, indicating those that are permitted or accepted and those that are prohibited, which performance attracts one form of punishment or the other. Laws are supposed to guide the behavior of citizens of a nation. A nation without laws is like a vehicle without wheels. Without laws people cannot live peacefully together as there will be the problem of reconciling conflicting human rights. As Thomas Hobbes pointed out in his theory of the state, when man was alone, there was no need for laws. The need for laws was necessitated by the increase in human population, to help reconcile naturally conflicting rights of different individuals. It is therefore expected that citizens should obey laws, to avoid an anarchical state where jungle justice (the principle of survival of the fittest) operates. According to Hobbes, the commonwealth was formed because men had a foresight of their own preservation, and thus had to find a way of averting that miserable condition of war and strife which are natural consequences of ever conflicting human rights. For John Locke, the main aim of forming the commonwealth (government) is the preservation of the „Property‟ of Citizens. Since the commonwealth and laws were created for the noble sake of the preservation of life and property, through the avoidance of war and uncertainties; it behooves on all citizens to obey the laws of the state or nation. -
Nationalism in the French Revolution of 1789
The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine Honors College 5-2014 Nationalism in the French Revolution of 1789 Kiley Bickford University of Maine - Main Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors Part of the Cultural History Commons Recommended Citation Bickford, Kiley, "Nationalism in the French Revolution of 1789" (2014). Honors College. 147. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/147 This Honors Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors College by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NATIONALISM IN THE FRENCH REVOLUTION OF 1789 by Kiley Bickford A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for a Degree with Honors (History) The Honors College University of Maine May 2014 Advisory Committee: Richard Blanke, Professor of History Alexander Grab, Adelaide & Alan Bird Professor of History Angela Haas, Visiting Assistant Professor of History Raymond Pelletier, Associate Professor of French, Emeritus Chris Mares, Director of the Intensive English Institute, Honors College Copyright 2014 by Kiley Bickford All rights reserved. Abstract The French Revolution of 1789 was instrumental in the emergence and growth of modern nationalism, the idea that a state should represent, and serve the interests of, a people, or "nation," that shares a common culture and history and feels as one. But national ideas, often with their source in the otherwise cosmopolitan world of the Enlightenment, were also an important cause of the Revolution itself. The rhetoric and documents of the Revolution demonstrate the importance of national ideas. -
The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES
4 The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES REVOLUTION Enlightenment These revolutions and the • Enlightenment • representative ideas helped bring about the documents they produced have • social contract government American and French inspired other democratic • natural rights • federal system revolutions. movements. • separation of • United Nations powers SETTING THE STAGE The Renaissance continued to affect European thinking throughout the 17th century. The Renaissance emphasis on the individual and on expanding human potential were especially influential. At the same time, Europeans began to explore their physical world. They extended the boundaries of the known world in what came to be called the Age of Exploration. New ideas and discoveries had a great impact on Europeans’ understanding of themselves and the world. TAKING NOTES Enlightenment Thinkers and Ideas Outlining Use an outline During the 17th and 18th centuries, an intellectual movement called the to organize the main ideas and details. Enlightenment developed. Enlightenment thinkers tried to apply the principles of reason and the methods of science to all aspects of society. They built upon I. Enlightenmentg the long history of Western thought. Thinkers and Ideas The philosophers of ancient Greece had established the idea of natural laws A. that could be discovered by careful observation and reasoned inquiry. B. Christianity contributed the belief in the equality of all human beings. (This belief II. The Beggginnings of Democracy in America would later lead to the principle of equal rights in society.) During the Renaissance, thinkers had focused on worldly concerns. They criticized medieval philosophy A. for concentrating on questions that seemed unrelated to human conditions. -
The General Will: the Evolution of a Concept Edited by James Farr and David Lay Williams Frontmatter More Information
Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-05701-2 - The General Will: The Evolution of a Concept Edited by James Farr and David Lay Williams Frontmatter More information The General Will Although it originated in theological debates, the general will ultimately became one of the most celebrated and denigrated concepts emerging from early modern political thought. Jean-Jacques Rousseau made it the central element of his political theory, and it took on a life of its own during the French Revolution, before being subjected to generations of embrace or opprobrium. James Farr and David Lay Williams have collected for the first time a set of essays that track the evolving history of the general will from its origins to recent times. The General Will: The Evolution of a Concept discusses the general will’s theological, political, formal, and substantive dimensions with a careful eye toward the con- cept’s virtues and limitations as understood by its expositors and critics, among them Arnauld, Pascal, Malebranche, Leibniz, Locke, Spinoza, Montesquieu, Kant, Constant, Tocqueville, Adam Smith, and John Rawls. James Farr is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Chicago Field Studies Program at Northwestern University. He is the author of numerous essays on Locke and on the history of political thought. He is also the editor of, among other volumes, Political Innovation and Conceptual Change (Cambridge, 1989) and Political Science in History (Cambridge, 1995). David Lay Williams is Associate Professor of Political Science at DePaul University and the author of several essays on the history of political thought, as well as of Rousseau’s Platonic Enlightenment (2007) and Rousseau’s Social Contract: An Introduction (Cambridge, 2014). -
HUMANISM Religious Practices
HUMANISM Religious Practices . Required Daily Observances . Required Weekly Observances . Required Occasional Observances/Holy Days Religious Items . Personal Religious Items . Congregate Religious Items . Searches Requirements for Membership . Requirements (Includes Rites of Conversion) . Total Membership Medical Prohibitions Dietary Standards Burial Rituals . Death . Autopsies . Mourning Practices Sacred Writings Organizational Structure . Headquarters Location . Contact Office/Person History Theology 1 Religious Practices Required Daily Observance No required daily observances. Required Weekly Observance No required weekly observances, but many Humanists find fulfillment in congregating with other Humanists on a weekly basis (especially those who characterize themselves as Religious Humanists) or other regular basis for social and intellectual engagement, discussions, book talks, lectures, and similar activities. Required Occasional Observances No required occasional observances, but some Humanists (especially those who characterize themselves as Religious Humanists) celebrate life-cycle events with baby naming, coming of age, and marriage ceremonies as well as memorial services. Even though there are no required observances, there are several days throughout the calendar year that many Humanists consider holidays. They include (but are not limited to) the following: February 12. Darwin Day: This marks the birthday of Charles Darwin, whose research and findings in the field of biology, particularly his theory of evolution by natural selection, represent a breakthrough in human knowledge that Humanists celebrate. First Thursday in May. National Day of Reason: This day acknowledges the importance of reason, as opposed to blind faith, as the best method for determining valid conclusions. June 21 - Summer Solstice. This day is also known as World Humanist Day and is a celebration of the longest day of the year. -
Plausibility of the “General Will” ______1
Plausibility of the “General Will” By: Nemanja Todorovic Submitted to: Central European University, Department of Philosophy In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy Supervisor: Andres Moles CEU eTD Collection Hungary, Budapest, 2011 1 Abstract: Rousseau’s influence on social and political philosophy has been formidable, and yet throughout his life and to this day his theoretical effort was constantly re-evaluated. Due to lack of clarity in his writings, his commitment to democratic ideals that seemed obscure and outdated for much of the 20 th century, and especially due to misunderstandings that accompanied his concept of the general will, Rousseau’s conception of legitimate society has received some serious and seemingly devastated criticisms. In this paper I will address myself with the most important question that seems to underline all those criticisms, namely : is the idea of the society regulated by a general ill a consistent political ideal, or does it necessarily conflate with the ‘will of all’ (will of the majority)? I address this concern, first by providing a conceptual background to Rousseau’s ideal society, specifying normative constraints that determine its subsequent framework. Second, I test the plausibility of the idea of the general will, in principle, by questioning its role in as a solution to the ‘fundamental problem’ – the possibility of reconciliation of political authority and personal autonomy. Although, I recognize that this idea has some plausibility, I conclude that it rests on some contentious epistemic considerations that need to be accounted for. I introduce these epistemic considerations in the last chapter, and I argue that Rousseau’s ideal society can in fact generate appropriate epistemic support, under the assumptions that a set of normative constraints has been satisfied. -
The Star of the Age of Reason. Voltaire 1694-1778
Camilla Kolstad Danielsen The Star of The Age of Reason. Voltaire 1694-1778 During the 18th century, the French writers, philosophers and scientists were determined to improve the world through reason. Voltaire was the most famous of them all. No other writer was as frequently read and discussed. He was successful with his tragedies and poetry, he disseminated Newton’s philosophy to Europe and he was engaged in individual fates. For us, Voltaire is a symbolic figure, a socially engaged 2013 intellectual writer who fought for freedom of speech and other human rights. Such a Original title: Opplysningens stjerne. Voltaire notion is tinted by our modern viewpoint. But the important position Voltaire NORLA Selection acquired in his time was a result of the independent manner with which he handled his role as writer. FOREIGN RIGHTS This book provides an insight into Voltaire’s extensive and comprehensive authorship HAGEN AGENCY by Eirin Hagen within fiction, history, philosophy and various socially engaged essays. We meet Lindemans gate 3 D Voltaire as both controversial and moderate, radical and conservative, a contentious NO-0267 Oslo Tel: +47 22 46 52 54 man who won many battles, but far from all, and he did his best to fashion his star Mob: +47 93 41 10 56 status within his contemporaries and for future generations. [email protected] www.hagenagency.no English sample translation available Humanist Forlag 2014 231 Pages Praise: “This is a great book, scholastically solid and an exemplary dissemination of research. It is captivating and funny, and at the same time so convincing that I don’t think I have ever read anything better about Voltaire” Ellen Krefting, associate professor at the University of Oslo Camilla Kolstad Danielsen Camilla Kolstad Danielsenhas written articles on the French enlightenment and her PhD thesis about Voltaire’s philosophical narratives, potpourri, as a genre practice in Voltaire’s later philosophical works (2006). -
Voltaire's Conception of National and International Society
Voltaire's Conception of National and International Society LilIy Lo Manto Faced with the crumbling of their beloved Greek city-states, during the 4th century before our era, the Stoics used reason to explain their uncertain future in the huge global polis of the Macedonian empire. Two thousand years later, the economic, political and social turmoil brewing in France would foster the emergence of the French Enlightenment. Championed by the philosophes, this period would also look to reason to guide national and international security. Indeed, eighteenth century France was a society in ferment. After the death of Louis XIV, in 1715, the succeeding kings, Louis XV and XVI, found themselves periodically confronted, primarily by the pariements, with an increasing rejection of the absolutist claims and ministerial policies of the throne. l Like his Stoic forefathers, Fran~ois Marie Arouet (1694-1778), otherwise known as "Voltaire", extolled the merits of reason and tolerance,2 believing that the world would be a better place if men only behaved rationally.3 His primary focus was peace; how to obtain, preserve and propagate it. In order to comprehend Voltaire's conception of world peace, this essay will analyze what he believed to be its foundations, namely: the rights and roles of individuals based on their social class, and the role of an ideal state which would foster domestic harmony. According to Voltaire, the key to obtaining international peace stemmed from the relationship between the individual and the State. The relationship between the individual and the state, outlined in the Social Contract, could only succeed if man maintained his role and exercised his rights while the state assured him of his fundamental liberties. -
Outline; Follow Them Very Carefully
The University of Calgary Historical Studies (HTST) 201 (01) The History of Europe: EUROPE SINCE 1500 Winter 2017 Class times and location: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 - 9:50 a.m., ICT 121 Instructor: Brad Rennie Office: SS 615 E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: 10:00 - 10:40 a.m. or by appointment Course Description: This course examines major events and developments in European history since 1500, including the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, industrialization, social and political trends, colonialism and imperialism, key wars, totalitarianism, and globalization. It also considers the origins and impact of such events and developments and how they, along with related belief systems, shaped modern western civilization. Lectures will take most of the class time, though there will be some discussions and small-group exercises. Required Readings: Marvin Perry, Sources of the Western Tradition, Volume II: From the Renaissance to the Present, Ninth Edition (2014). Available in the Bookstore. The History Student's Handbook. Free at hist.ucalgary.ca – click on "Essay Guide" on the left. Optional Reading: Marvin Perry, Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume II: Since 1600, Eleventh Edition (2016). THIS BOOK IS ON ONE-HOUR RESERVE IN THE LIBRARY. Grading: Document analysis 15% Due February 6 Midterm 25% Two parts: Part one on February 15; part two on February 17 Research Paper 30% Due March 27 Final exam 30% Scheduled by the Registrar Exams: The exams will NOT be open book, but to help you prepare for the exams, I'll post in D2L an information sheet before each exam. -
The Philosophy of Free Trade and Its Applicability in East Asia
ENCUENTROS ISSN 1692-5858. No. 1. Junio de 2011 • P. 69-82 Is Free Trade a Culture-Bound Ideal? The Philosophy of Free Trade and Its Applicability in East Asia ¿Está ligada la cultura al pensamiento de libre comercio?: su filosofía y aplicabilidad en el Este de Asia Tae Jin Park [email protected] West Virgina State University ABSTRACT Proponents of free trade, especially theorists known as “neo-liberals,” preach free trade as a global ethic and emphasize four great benefits from it: 1) reciprocal economic growth; 2) individual freedom; 3) political democracy; 4) international peace. This review article will examine the validity of these assumptions in East Asia. Although many East Asian states are great beneficiaries of the liberal international trade system that has developed since the end of World War II, their political and economic developments generally do not conform to Western expectations because their cultural values are still “Confucian” and their political economy relied heavily on state leadership. The philosophy of free trade is largely incompatible with East Asian historical experiences. The credibility of the free trade doctrine in East Asia comes from the power and influence of the U.S. rather than from the usefulness of the free trade doctrine. Key words: Free trade, neo-liberalism, East Asia, Confucianism, capitalism, democracy. RESUMEN Los defensores del libre comercio, especialmente los teóricos se conocen como “neo-liberales,” predicar el libre comercio como una ética global y hacer hincapié en cuatro grandes beneficios: 1) crecimiento económico recíproco, 2) la libertad individual, 3) la democracia política, y 4) la paz internacional. -
U.S. POLICY in the AMERICAS and the ROLE of FREE TRADE by Otto J
❏ U.S. POLICY IN THE AMERICAS AND THE ROLE OF FREE TRADE By Otto J. Reich, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State Freer trade has long been a centerpiece of U.S. policy in the The United States knows that our destiny is tied to the Americas, not only to boost economic growth but also to well-being of our neighbors. We understand that we strengthen the ties that unite the region's 34 democracies, says cannot be safe at home if our neighborhood is not safe. Otto Reich, the United States' top diplomat for the region. We appreciate that our prosperity grows as our neighbors “There is a fundamental and mutually supporting dynamic prosper. We believe that healthy relations between the between political and economic freedom,” he says. Having United States and the other countries of the Western recently obtained a grant of trade promotion authority (TPA) Hemisphere are to our mutual benefit, and this from Congress, Bush Administration officials are poised to perspective informs our policy toward the region. pursue the FTAA talks with renewed vigor as the United States and Brazil prepare to assume joint leadership for the While we in the United States believe that trade is the final phase of the negotiations. Ambassador Reich most beneficial element of our economic relationship acknowledges legitimate concerns — in developed and with the world, we are increasing our foreign aid and its developing countries alike — over the potential disruptions efficacy. For 2002, the U.S. Agency for International of open trade, but says “without change, there is only Development (USAID) foreign aid program for Latin stagnation.” America and the Caribbean amounted to $828 million. -
Markets Not Capitalism Explores the Gap Between Radically Freed Markets and the Capitalist-Controlled Markets That Prevail Today
individualist anarchism against bosses, inequality, corporate power, and structural poverty Edited by Gary Chartier & Charles W. Johnson Individualist anarchists believe in mutual exchange, not economic privilege. They believe in freed markets, not capitalism. They defend a distinctive response to the challenges of ending global capitalism and achieving social justice: eliminate the political privileges that prop up capitalists. Massive concentrations of wealth, rigid economic hierarchies, and unsustainable modes of production are not the results of the market form, but of markets deformed and rigged by a network of state-secured controls and privileges to the business class. Markets Not Capitalism explores the gap between radically freed markets and the capitalist-controlled markets that prevail today. It explains how liberating market exchange from state capitalist privilege can abolish structural poverty, help working people take control over the conditions of their labor, and redistribute wealth and social power. Featuring discussions of socialism, capitalism, markets, ownership, labor struggle, grassroots privatization, intellectual property, health care, racism, sexism, and environmental issues, this unique collection brings together classic essays by Cleyre, and such contemporary innovators as Kevin Carson and Roderick Long. It introduces an eye-opening approach to radical social thought, rooted equally in libertarian socialism and market anarchism. “We on the left need a good shake to get us thinking, and these arguments for market anarchism do the job in lively and thoughtful fashion.” – Alexander Cockburn, editor and publisher, Counterpunch “Anarchy is not chaos; nor is it violence. This rich and provocative gathering of essays by anarchists past and present imagines society unburdened by state, markets un-warped by capitalism.