The Enlightenment Thinkers The Age of Reason The Enlightenment Scholars began to challenge long held beliefs about science, religion, and government. Thinkers were inspired by Galileo and Newton. The method of observation and logic is used to approach problems of human life. Ideas based on rational thought and understanding. The Enlightenment In France, thinkers called philosophes (or “philosophers”) would gather in informal meetings called salons. There, they would exchange and debate ideas. The Basic Questions Enlightenment thinkers wanted to learn more about human life using these questions: 1) What natural law governs the way people should live? 2) How well do our institutions agree with natural law? 3) Does natural law give all people certain rights? 4) What is the best form of government? Philosophers Philosophers did not always agree about the answers to these questions. Some supported absolute rule by the king. Others argued that the They all shared a trust in reason and people should have a say observation as the best way of in their own government. understanding and progress. The Five Thinkers Thomas Hobbes John Locke Baron de Montesquieu Voltaire Cesare Beccaria Thomas Hobbes His Question: What is the basis of social order? His Observation: Human beings are naturally cruel, selfish, and greedy. In 1651, he published a book called Leviathan. He wrote that people are driven by a restless desire for power. Without laws or other social controls, people would always be in conflict. Absolute Rule by Kings Thomas Hobbes Governments are created to protect people from their own selfishness. People are selfish by nature and can’t be trusted to make decisions that were good for society as a whole. John Locke His Observation: He denied the divine right of kings to rule. In 1690, he published Two Treatises of Government. His book justified a strong parliament which protects human rights. He argues that the purpose of government is to protect people’s natural rights. Natural Rights These rights include the right to life, liberty, and property. John Locke In exchange for rights, people give the government the power to make and enforce laws. The true basis of government is a social contract (or agreement), among free people. His theory is that a government’s authority is based on the consent of the people. If the government fails to respect people’s rights, it can be overthrown. Baron de Montesquieu His Observation: Too much power in the hands of any one person or group will lead to tyranny. French author, in 1748, he published The Spirit of Laws. He argues that the best way to protect human rights is to divide power among three branches of government. Each branch of government checks (limits) the power of the others. Separation of Powers Baron de Montesquieu The Three Branches of Government 1) Legislative branch – makes the laws; Congress 2) Executive branch – enforces the laws; President 3) Judicial branch – interprets the laws; Supreme Court Voltaire His Observation: Freedom of thought and expression is the only way to fight oppression. He was a French writer and participant in Paris salons. He supported religious tolerance – allowing people to believe in religion in their own way. “I disapprove of what you say, Strong supporter of free but I will defend to the death speech. your right to say it”. Cesare Beccaria His Observation: He studied criminology, the scientific study of crime and punishment. He objected to the harsh practices that were common in his day and called for changes in criminal law to protect the rights of the accused. Torture was common and people found guilty of crimes were often sentenced to death. “Punishment should fit the seriousness of the crime”. Cesare Beccaria On Crimes and Punishments He argued that laws exist to preserve society and order and that punishment does not have to be brutal. A person accused of a crime should receive a fair and speedy trial. Torture should never be used. Capital punishment (putting someone to death) should never be used. Punishment should fit the seriousness of the crime. Women of the Enlightenment Enlightenment thinking influenced many throughout Europe and inspired revolutions in America and France. Although women of the 1700s did not have the same rights or status as men, there were a small few Mary Wollstonecraft who played an important role by Abigail helping to spread ideas about Adams rights and equality for women. Mary Wollstonecraft (1792), wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women arguing for equality and education rights for women. Madame Geoffrin .