The Enlightenment and the American Revolution

A) What did Thomas Hobbes believe was the basic nature of human beings? B) What kind of government did Hobbes believe was best for human society? C) What was John Locke's view of basic human nature? D) What did Locke conclude was the proper kind of government?

A) Hobbes believed that all substances were made of material, which meant that God must also be a physical thing as well. B) He believed in a strong, central government that was approved by the people. C) Locke thought that human nature was the reason men acted so selfishly. He also considered people to be naturally independent, and equal. D) John Locke felt that the purpose of the government was to protect the natural rights of the citizens.

Explain the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Concepts like freedom from oppression, natural rights, and innovative ways of thinking about the structure of the government came directly from Enlightenment philosophes, like Locke.

Summarize how economic thinking changed during this time.

During the Enlightenment, the thinking of the economy was to provide more money for less services. That is definitely not what we do today!

As Enlightenment ideas spread across Europe, what cultural and political changes took place?

During the Enlightenment; there was a lot of opposition to the Church's intolerance, and how government's ended dissenting opinions.

How did the Enlightenment affect some rulers in Europe, and what are these rulers know as?

Enlightenment ideas affected rulers in Europe from overthrown power. They were known as ...

How did Enlightenment thinkers inspire revolutionaries to push for radical changes in government and society?

Enlightenment thinks wanted the discovery of truth to be found through observing nature, instead of through the Bible.

Why did Adam Smith support laissez faire?

He believed that the standard of living could be kept, but only though a minimum of regulation, and control by governments.

What led to change more, the Enlightenment or the American Revolution?

I believe the American Revolution led more to a change, because it led to a result of transformations in politics, and society.

Choose one philosophe from this unit and describe how he or she might respond to a human rights issue that has been in the news recently.

John Locke - He argued for the natural rights of the people, which are: life, liberty, and property. There has been a recent human rights issue on calling on the recruitment industry to respect migrant worker's rights. John Locke would actually be happy with this.

What ideas did John Locke advocate for the role of government?

John Locke was the father of liberalism. He advocated that since the role of government is limited, its power should be limited as well.

Explain the economic policy of laissez-faire.

Laissez-faire is a theory of economic policy that states that the government should generally not interfere with decisions made.

How did Locke's ideas challenge Europe's traditional order?

Locke had a huge influence on the people of his time. The Age of Enlightenment was also the era in Western scientific, and intellectual life. It was centered upon the 18th century, and is supported as the first source of authority.

Identify the roles that censorship and salons played in the spread of new ideas.

Salons were places of political thought and philosophy. They were free of censorship, so they were free to debate over anything they wanted to.

Summarize the reasons why Enlightenment ideas were slow to influence the lives of most Europeans.

The 18th century was known as the "Age of Enlightenment". Literacy was not very widespread during this century, so that's why all of the ideas traveled so slowly.

How does the Bill of Rights reflect a key Enlightenment idea?

The Bill of Rights is based on John Locke, and includes the enlightenment of equality.

Explain how science led to the Enlightenment.

The Enlightenment was mainly about thinking logically and with reason to make decisions, and coming to conclusions - which is what scientists do to this very day!

What did those opposed to Enlightenment ideas do to stop the spread of information?

The people that were opposed to enlightenment ideas stopped the spread of information by slandering the court, the Church, and the academies through pamphlets.