The Enlightenment
a time beginning in the 1600’s and lasting until the 1700’s in which philosophers used reason to seek truths about human nature; also known as the Age of Reason
what is the Enlightenment?
Using Reason to improve lives and discover truth
what is Rationalism?
"I think, therefore I am"
Rationalism
- Rene Descartes
"We hold these truths to be self-evident"
Rationalism
- Declaration of Independence
Limited Monarchy
King/Queens power is restricted by laws.
2 main guiding ideas of the Enlightenment
Knowledge can be learned by humans
Humans are equal, free and can self-govern
Natural Rights
Certain rights are universal
and inherent to all people
*Bonus 100 points if you can name the 3 main natural rights*
"No country can be called free which is governed by an absolute power; and it matters not whether it be an absolute royal power or an absolute legislative power, as the consequences will be the same to the people."
Limited Government
- Thomas Paine
"...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Natural Rights
-Declaration of independence
1789–1799: a transformative period in French history that overthrew the monarchy, challenged the aristocracy, and established new political and social structures based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The French Revolution
a time in the 1500’s and 1600’s where scientists tried to explain the workings of the universe by using logic, reason and science
what is the Scientific Revolution?
The king (government) is not all powerful
What is Limited Government?
What, then, is the government? An intermediary body established between the subjects and the sovereign for their mutual communication, a body charged with the execution of the laws and the maintenance of freedom, both civil and political.
Limited Government
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
Social Contract
- Declaration of Independence
English philosopher and physician often called the “Father of Liberalism,” whose 17th-century works shaped modern ideas and the US government.
Who is John Locke?
5 Principles of the Enlightenment
Rationalism
Natural rights
Limited Government
Republicanism
Social Contract
Republicanism
Power rests with the citizens through elected representatives instead of a king
"I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves"
Natural Rights
- Mary WollstoneCraft
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..."
Republicanism
- US Constitution
The Authority of the government is split between different branches who all have a different responsibility.
Separation of Powers
3 things a government does when it comes to the law
Write
Enforce
Interpret/Judge
Social Contract
People surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection from government
"Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent."
Social Contract
- John Locke
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..."
Limited Government
- Bill of Rights
City in Portugal where a massive earthquake in 1755 that was so destructive, it caused people to question the existence of God and rethink how society was organized
What is Lisbon?