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B. cosmology --* new world view based on Newtonian physics --* analysis of natural phenomena as systems. C. secularism --* application of scientific theories to religion and society. D. scientific method --* experimentation; observation; hypothesis. E. utilitarianism (Bentham) --* laws created for the common good and not for special interests. The greatest good for the greatest number. F. optimism & self-confidence --* anything is possible (a reversal of medieval thinking). G. tolerance --* a greater acceptance of different societies and cultures. H. freedom --* a mind as well as a society free to think, free from prejudice. J. legal / penal reforms --* Beccaria, Bentham. A. Not really philosophers, but men who sought to apply reason and common sense to nearly all the major institutions and mores of the day. B. They attacked Christianity for its rejection of science, otherworldliness, and belief in man's depravity LOCKE --* man's nature is changeable and can be improved by his environment. NEWTON --* empirical experience and the rationality of the natural world. BRITAIN --* exemplified a society in which enlightened reason served the common good. D. France became the center for Enlightenment since its decadent absolutism and political and religious censorship seemed to prove the need for reform. FRANCOIS QUESNAY --* land is the only source of wealth, and agriculture increases that wealth; therefore, the mercantilists were wrong to put so much importance on the accumulation of money. ADAM SMITH --* Wealth of Nations --* he challenged mercantilist doctrine as selfish and unnatural; the interdependence among nations; "Father of Modern Capitalism". H. Montesquieu --* The Spirit of the Laws -- admired the British government. -- separation of powers in the government. -- checks and balances. I. Rousseau --* The Social Contract -- "Father of Romanticism". -- he differed from the other pholosophes, esp. Locke: -- law is the expression of the "General Will." -- rejected science and reason; go with your feelings (inner conscience). -- "Man is born free, but is everywhere in chains!" -- champion of individual rights. -- "I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!" -- leading advocate of Enlightened Despotism. -- Frederick I (1714-1740) -- the "Seargent" King. -- Frederick II (1740-1786) -- Maria Theresa (1740-1780) --* Pragmatic Sanctions. -- Joseph II (1765-1790) --* considered to be the only true "enlightened" despot. -- Peter the Great (1682-1725) --* Westernization ("Windows to the West"). -- Catherine the Great (1762-1796) --* rigorous foreign policy; partitions of Poland. IV. Results of Enlightenment Thought: A. contributing factor in the American and French Revolutions. B. Enlightenment thinking reflected in the U. S. Declaration of Independence. D. European thought became centered on the belief in reason, science, individual rights, and the progress of civilization. E. New evangelical religious movements --* Pietists, Methodists. philosophesphysiocratsutilitarianismcosmopolitanismsalonlaissez-faireImmanuel KantJohn WesleyMethodismPietismGeneral Will"Philosopher-King" 18th century intellectual movement based on reason caused by the scientific revolution Centered in Paris -the modern Athens Believed in natural laws - very secular Very important to American Revolution 1) Natural science should be used to understand all aspects of life a) Nothing was to be accepted on faith 2) Scientific laws were capable of discovering human and natural laws 3) Humans could create better societies and people Philosophe (Fr. Philosopher) but not only a French movement Critics of absolutism did not face death for their beliefs like in other countries French was the lingua franca -international Developed new ideas about God, human nature, good and evil, and cause and effect relationships Humans were basically good, but corrupted by society Ideas were established by Marquis de Condercet in Progress of the Human Mind Bernard de Fontenelle popularized science and made it easy to understand Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds Fontenelle brought science and religion into conflict (Catholics and Protestants scientists believed their work exhalted God) Constitutional monarchy and defended the Revolution Different political theories for different times Wrote The Persian Letters which criticized European customs Wrote The Spirit of the Laws (1748) showed that governments were shaped by history. A strong upper class was necessary to prevent abuses: despotism could be avoided if power was shared: but he was not a democrat Imprisoned in the Bastille for being critical of the king Enlightened Despotism - best government was a good monarch He continually challenged the Church Deism - God was a clockmaker who built the universe and then let it work. rejected fundamental doctrines of Christianity Most philosophes hated religious toleration Died a millionaire because of shrewd business investments He was a reformer not a revolutionary Not every article was original but the overall effect was revolutionary Social Contract based on two concepts: the general will and popular sovereignty Denounced torture and capital punishment Did not call for harsher laws and more police to protect economic interests Believed in the "invisible hand" of free competition In France the Physiocrats advocated laissez-faire economics. Quesnay, advisor to Louis XV denounced mercantilism and stressed the importance of gold and silver Insisted that land was the only source of wealth Should be one tax on wealth derived from the land Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) According to Peter Gay there were 3 periods of the Enlightenment roughly : a) dominated by Montesquieu and Voltaire before 1750 - set the tone of the movement mid-century fused anticlericalism and scientific speculation into a modern world view politics, social reform, legal reform, metaphysics Criticism progressed by criticizing itself Enlightenment centered on about twenty big names - but many more followers Roughly 1689 (Montesquieu born) to 1789 (Holbach died) First half were deists who focused on natural law; second half were atheist focused on utility Timid political ideas were forced aside by more radical ideas Although mostly Parisian the thinkers were characterized by anglomania Bibliography: none Word Count: 1271
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