Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6THE ENLIGHTENMENTTHE ENLIGHTENMENTAGE OF REASON & PROGRESS Great skepticism toward tradition Confidence in human reason & science Idea of progress of civilization Secular worldview Society should be grounded on rational foundationsTHE ENLIGHTENMENTPHILOSOPHES Those who critically analyzed any subject Held variety of opinions, some contradictory Shared general belief in reason, science, progress, civilization Concerned with equalityTHE ENLIGHTENMENTPHILOSOPHES MONTESQUIEU (1689-1755) Spirit of the Laws• Separation & balance of powers• Separation of functions of government• Laws should not be arbitraryTHE ENLIGHTENMENTPHILOSOPHES VOLTAIRE (1694-1778) Promoted freedom of thought & religion Advanced material & technological progress Supported despotism if “enlightened” Strong proponent of religious toleration Presented secular view of historyTHE ENLIGHTENMENTPHILOSOPHES ROUSSEAU (1712-1778) Early works• Promoted idea of civilization as root of evil• Championed feeling & impulse over reason The Social Contract• State of nature was brutish, lacked morality• All members of community part of “General
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