World History 9
Chapter 22, Section 2: The Enlightenment in Europe
1. What was the Enlightenment?
a new intellectual movement of the 1700s that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems; the application of the scientific method to an understanding of life
2. What did Hobbes believe about human nature? What did Hobbes mean by the social contract?
People are basically greedy and selfish; society can’t exist without control. Social contract – people give up their freedoms in exchange for a an orderly society
3. What type of government did Hobbes favor and why?
An absolute monarchy because society needs strict control to impose order and force obedience
4. What did Locke believe were man’s natural rights?
Rights that belong to all people at birth: Life, liberty, and property
5. What did Locke believe was the role of government and what did he think people should do if the government failed to fulfill its role?
Protect the people’s natural rights. If the government doesn’t do that, the people should overthrow it.
6. What type of government did Locke favor and why?
A democracy where the power of the government comes from the consent of the governed.
7. Who were the philosophes and what were their five core beliefs?
17th century French philosophers.
Reason – truth discovered through reason
Nature – nature is good
Happiness – on earth, not just hereafter
Progress – society can improve
Liberties – as in English Bill of Right
8. Describe the ideas of Voltaire.
Criticized church and French govt. Believed in tolerance, reason, freedom of religion and freedom of speech
9. Describe the ideas of Montesquieu.
Best way to protect liberty is a government with three branches – separation of powers so each branch serves as a check (control) to the other branches
10. Describe the ideas of Rousseau.
his social contract said that each person has to sacrifice some personal freedoms or desires for the good of society as a whole; the only good government is one which is formed by the general will of the people
11. Describe the ideas of Beccaria.
Laws exist to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes; argued for speedy trials and punishments which fit the crime; no capital punishment or torture
12. How did the philosophers of the Enlightenment view women?
Did not extend enlightenment ideas to women; Did not support equality or education for women; not accorded the same rights as men
13. Describe the ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft.
Equal education for girls so women could fully participate in public life
14. Describe the three long-term effects of the Enlightenment on western civilization.
Belief in progress – use reason to solve problems of society; greater equality and more democratic style of govt
A more secular outlook – mysteries of the universe could be explained by math and science; did not have to accept only teachings of church
Importance of the individual – people should use their own intelligence (reason) to determine right or wrong; government should promote the welfare of its citizens