the enlightment ch 18

Marie-Jean Caritat

Tracked nine stages of human progress, the next one being perfection via reason.

Enlightened thinking

3 core concepts 1)The methods of science and reason can explain all aspects of life - Rationalism 2)Scientific method can explain the laws of nature and society. 3)Progress is possible if these laws are understood

Montesquieu

Argued for separation of powers as in England and the parlement (high court) in France.Works "Persian Letters" and "Spirit of Laws" influenced the French and American Revolutions.

Pierre Bayle

Argued that nothing can be known without doubt.Furthered the development of Skepticism.

Jean le Rond D'Alembert

Assisted Diderot with his "Encyclopedia".Mathematician who encouraged people to think objectively.

D' Holbach

Atheist, anti-Christian idea suggested that humans are influenced by outside forces, no free will.Influenced David Hume who argued that senses experiences define our world, NOT reason!

Rousseau

Book "Social Contract" taught that politics based on two ideas 1)General Will - interests of common people.2)Popular Sovereignty - people choose government under which they are ruled.

Denis Diderot

Demonstrated through the use of reason, greater knowledge may be attained to better society.Works included editing "Encyclopedia" including articles on science to morals.

Bernard de Fontenelle

Idea of human progress instead of the focus on sin and salvation in his book "Plurality of Worlds".Brought science into conflict with religion.

Voltaire

Popularized English scientific ideas.Pessimistically concluded that humans are unable to rule, therefore, you need a strong monarch.

John Locke

Stressed all ideas are derived from experience and the human mind is born as "tabula rasa".Works include "Second Treatise on Civil Government".

Madame du Chatelet

Supported Voltaire at her country estate.Spread ideas of others by translating books like Newton's "Principia" into French.