Understanding the Enlightenment Reading & Questions

Transcription

1 Understanding the Enlightenment Reading & Questions The word Enlightenment refers to a change in outlook among many educated Europeans that began during the 1600s. The new outlook put great trust in reason as the key to human progress. In the 1700s, this way of thinking became widespread in Europe. Enlightenment thinkers were inspired by the example of scientists such as Galileo and Newton. Scientists used observation and logic to understand the physical world. Their methods were rapidly overturning old beliefs. Now, political thinkers wanted to take a similar approach to problems of human life and politics. Forget the teachings of the past, they said. A new age of reason is dawning. In this new age, governments and social institutions will be based on rational understanding, not the traditions and superstitions of earlier times. Enlightenment thinking grew out of the Scientific Revolution. In science, observation and reason were revealing laws that applied throughout the physical world. The thinkers of the Enlightenment wanted to apply this approach to human life. They asked questions such as: what kind of laws do we need, what rights should people have, and what is the best form of government? These political philosophers did not always agree about the answers to these questions. For example, some of them defended the right of kings to rule. Others argued that people should have more say in their own government perhaps a republic or democracy. The Enlightenment also had roots in the Renaissance and the Reformation. The humanists of the Renaissance questioned accepted beliefs. They celebrated the dignity and potential of the individual. During the Reformation, Protestants rebelled against the Catholic Church. They put individual beliefs ahead of the authority of the church. Enlightenment thinkers went even further in rejecting authority and upholding the freedom of individuals to think for themselves and make their own decisions. Like the humanists of the Renaissance, many Enlightenment thinkers were inspired by classical culture. Trust in reason, for example, goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks. So does the idea that people should have a say in their government. Philosophers who argued for this idea could point to the democracy of ancient Athens or the republic of ancient Rome. Christian ideas also colored Enlightenment thinking. Enlightenment philosophers preferred rational understanding to faith based on the Bible. Yet most of them continued to believe in God. They saw the laws of nature as the work of an intelligent Creator. They saw human progress as a sign of God s goodness. Often their approach to moral problems reflected Christian values, such as respect for others and for a moral law. Several European monarchs tried to apply Enlightenment ideas during the 1700s. Among them were Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria. These rulers became known as enlightened monarchs who had the people s best interests at heart. Enlightened monarchs founded universities and scientific societies. They introduced reforms such as greater religious tolerance and an end to torture and the death penalty. But these rulers pushed change only so far. They did not want to anger the noble classes, whose support they needed. Nor did they want to lose their own power. During this time, trade between countries generated new wealth. The wealthy merchant class had economic power, and now demanded a share of political power which was held by the nobility and monarchy. Overall, the thinkers of the Enlightenment prized reason over authority. They questioned the basis of religion, morality, and government. Enlightenment thinkers believed that humans were perfectly able to discover truth for themselves. Enlightenment thinkers also criticized accepted ideas about government. They questioned the long-held belief in the divine right of kings to rule. Many stressed individual rights that governments must respect. Toward the end of the 18 th century, these ideas played a major role in revolutions in both America and France. The Enlightenment helped to shape modern views of human nature, society, and government. Without the ideas of the Enlightenment, it is quite possible that most countries would still possess monarchies and individuals would not have basic rights.

2 Directions: Use the reading on the Enlightenment to answer the following questions. This is for a grade. 1. What is an important similarity between the way scientists were thinking during the Scientific Revolution and the way philosophers were thinking during the Enlightenment? A. both wanted to use religion and tradition C. both wanted to use reason and rationalism B. both wanted to use experiments D. both wanted to use Ancient Greece philosophy 2. In what way did some of the Enlightenment thinkers differ in their views? A. some wanted the Catholic Church to have all the power while others did not B. some wanted the monarchies to have power while others did not C. some wanted to rely on Renaissance and Reformation ideas while others did not D. some wanted the scientists of the Scientific Revolution to control government while others did not 3. Which of the following was not a question asked by the Enlightenment thinkers? A. what kind of laws do we need? C. what is the best form of government? B. what rights should people have? D. what type of revolution should we have? 4. How did the Renaissance and Reformation influence the Enlightenment? A. people turned completely away from religion and God and toward rationalism B. people in countries began to form constitutions and did not listen to the Church C. people pushed for governments such as democracies, republics, and oligarchies D. people began to question authority and promote individual freedom 5. What is the relation between Christianity and the Enlightenment thinkers? A. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed in God and their ideas reflected Christian beliefs B. Most Enlightenment thinkers turned away from God, the Church, and Christian beliefs C. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed that people should not be free to choose their religion D. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed in Ancient Greece s democracy 6. Which of the following was not a reform by one of the Enlightened Monarchs? A. building universities and scientific societies C. ending torture and the death penalty B. more understanding and open to different religions D. becoming a democratic government 7. Which group of people gained economic power and pushed for political power? A. Nobility B. Merchants C. Peasants D. Monarchies 8. Which of the following was not an area that Enlightenment thinkers called into question? A. religion B. government C. morality D. trade 9. Which of the following was an accepted belief that Enlightenment thinkers began to question? A. The right of the people to rule over the Catholic Church B. The divine right of a monarch to rule over people C. The belief that the Earth was at the center of the universe D. The Catholic beliefs that people get to heaven through good deeds 10. Using only paragraph 3, what type of government would fit best with that information? A. Theocracy B. Democratic C. Monarchy D. Autocracy 11. Which of the following is not an overall effect of the Enlightenment and its ideas? A. monarchs that push for reforms C. modern view of government and society B. American and French Revolutions D. increase in trade and wealth

3 The Enlightenment Thinkers Until the 1700 s, people of Europe accepted the fact that their king ruled by divine right, that all Church teachings were true, and that nobles had privileges due to birth rights. By the end of the century, people no longer accepted these beliefs. Those who challenged 18 th century beliefs became known as the philosophes. The philosophers used reason in their writing. The following chart lists four leading thinkers of the 1700s. They published writings during a period called the Age of Reason or Enlightenment. Many ideologies from this period influenced American government. Directions : Read each statement by the philosophers given on the chart and decide whether the statement is a true description of present day America. If it is true, fill in the space with a yes. If the idea is not true fill in the space with a no. Thinker Statements True in U.S.today? Yes or No? John Locke Baron de Montesquieu 1. All men are free and equal at birth. 2. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the ownership of property. 3. Citizens have the right to overthrow the government when their natural rights are violated. 4. Rulers receive the right to govern from the people, and unfair rulers can be forced from power. 5. Man is not born to be a good or evil person he is made one or the other by his life experiences and society around him. 1. An absolute ruler is an undesirable leader because one-man rule limits such basic freedoms as speech, press, and religion. 2. There should be a separation of powers in government between legislative, executive, and judicial branches. 3. Slavery, torture, religious persecution, and censorship are all wrong. 4. A man is innocent until a jury finds him guilty. 5. When a country increases its military power, so do other countries therefore, all nations should limit their military strength in order to reduce the chances of war

4 Philosophe Statement Yes/No 1. A man should not be persecuted 1. Voltaire because of his religious beliefs. 2. An intelligent person should not accept 2. all religious beliefs we should only accept those beliefs about God that are based on reason and common sense. 3. Religious myths and ceremonies do nothing to make men better, and therefore, should be ignored Clergymen are more interested in increasing the power of the Church than they are in making man better A scientist is a greater person than a conquering general. 6. All men should be treated as equals, 5. and should have freedom of speech and freedom of the press Democracy is not a good form of government because the common people are not capable of governing 7. themselves; the best government is one headed by a good and fair king. 1. It is unfair that some people are rich 1. while other people are poor. 2. The rich should not enjoy special 2. privileges. 3. Compared to man during the Stone 3. Age, modern man is unhappy, insecure, and greedy. 4. Social and political reforms must be 4. made before man can be a good person. 5. Democracy is a good form of government. 5. Jean Jacques Rousseau

5 The Enlightenment A Time of New Ideas Name: The Enlightenment was a period of time when people developed new ideas about human existence, including peoples basic rights and the level of control they should have over their government and their futures. The Enlightenment began in Europe around People in cities like Paris gathered in salons to discuss philosophy and ways to improve the human experience. Many of their ideas were based in science and reason, which is why this time was also called the Age of Reason. Locke The Social Contract Natural Rights Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings are born with fundamental, basic rights. These natural rights included the right to life, liberty, property, and the freedom to find happiness. In order for people to enjoy these natural rights, other rights needed to be protected. Enlightenment thinkers believed people should have the right to express themselves, to move around freely, and to petition the government. If there was no government at all, people would live in a state of nature with no rules and complete freedom but without any protection from each other. One Enlightenment idea was the social contract: citizens give up some freedom they would have in a state of nature (like the freedom to rob and kill people), and in exchange the government protects citizens right to life, liberty, and property. To Enlightenment thinkers, the relationship between a government and its citizens was like an agreement. Citizens agree to obey a set of rules, and the government agrees to protect citizens rights. Republicanism Consent of the Governed Since the Middle Ages, European leaders had gained power through heredity, or family ties. Kings and queens took the throne after another family member died. The people had no say in this process. Many Enlightenment thinkers believed in republicanism the idea that a country s leader should be chosen by the citizens in a general election. Even so, some Enlightenment thinkers frowned on the idea of a democracy. They feared what would happen if a mob of uneducated people had the power to vote. Influence on America Rousseau Enlightenment thinkers believed that governments had a responsibility to hold up their end of the social contract. If a government failed, then citizens would no longer agree to be governed and they would have the right to revolt. This idea is known as consent of the governed. Traditionally, a government protected citizens from foreign invaders, but the government also had absolute authority over the people. A king ruled his citizens whether they consented or not. To Enlightenment thinkers, this was unacceptable. Montesquieu The brightest Enlightenment thinkers, with names like Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Locke, became very famous. They influenced leaders in Europe, and became popular with Americans who wanted independence. When our Founding Fathers created a government for the new United States, they embraced many Enlightenment ideas. America s Constitution recognized that citizens were born with basic rights. And even though some of the Founders agreed with those concerned about democracy, the Constitution gave citizens the power to vote. The Enlightenment ended around 1789, about the same time the Constitution was born. Influence Library The Enlightenment p.1

6 The Enlightenment Name: A. Put It In Perspective. Shade in the Enlightenment on the timeline. (Find the dates in the reading.) 1620: Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock 1692 Salem witch trials 1709: Piano invented 1718: Pirate Blackbeard is killed 1752: Benjamin Franklin s kite experiment 1773: Boston Tea Party : American Revolutionary War 1787: Constitution signed : George Washington Presidency : Civil War B. Speech and the Social Contract. The U.S. Constitution says the government cannot limit freedom of speech. Is freedom of speech necessary in order to enjoy our natural rights? Pick ONE natural right and explain why it can t be fully enjoyed without freedom of speech. C. Crossword! Use the clues and the reading to complete the crossword puzzle Influence Library 1 Across 2. If the government fails to protect citizens, citizens have the right to revolt. 4. An agreement where citizens give up some rights in exchange for government protection 6. Famous city where people discussed ideas 7. Continent where the Enlightenment began 8. American document that recognized natural rights 9. A place where city people gathered to discuss philosophy 10. Fundamental, basic rights people are born with 11. The kind of authority a king had over citizens 12. Some Enlightenment thinkers were afraid of this Down 1. Obtaining something through family ties 3. A period of time when people developed new ideas about human existence and human rights. 4. Life with complete freedom, no rules, and no government 5. The idea that a country s leader should be chosen by the citizens in a general election The Enlightenment p.2

7 Attachment A: A Chronicle of Rights A natural right is a basic right with which all humans are born. Some of the most basic of these are the right to life, liberty, and property. Throughout history, natural rights have not been protected for all people. As early as history has been recorded, some people have been held in slavery and denied their freedom. People have lost their lives at the whim of a ruler or government that did not protect this right. Some people were denied the right to own property. Personal property has sometimes been taken from individuals with no regard to their rights of ownership. As United States Citizens, we often take these rights for granted. How did our country arrive at the idea that natural rights were important to guarantee to all citizens? Many people, documents, and events have influenced American ideas on human rights. The idea of natural rights, or natural law, can be seen as early as ancient Greece and Rome. In Europe, during the 17 th and 18 th century, many ideas about natural rights were discussed. This period is referred to as the Age of Enlightenment. Philosophers of the time felt that the truth could be found by using reason. Enlightenment thinkers put forth the idea of individual freedoms and natural rights. Their ideas greatly influenced the founding fathers and are evident in many documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. One of those influences was a 17 th century English philosopher named John Locke. Locke felt that natural rights were very important. He believed that every person should have the opportunity to live a good life. He felt that man s basic rights should include life, freedom, and ownership of property. John Locke also felt that government was needed to protect these rights. Along with the rights, Locke put forth the idea that people then had certain responsibilities. In 1690, John Locke wrote a book titled, Two Treatises of Government, which was read by many colonists. The book was also popular among the founding fathers, and it is said to have influenced Thomas Jefferson when writing the Declaration of Independence. Another influence was 18 th century French philosopher Baron de Montesquieu. Montesquieu believed in human rights and freedom. He was against dictatorships and tyranny. He also believed that people can live under a government and still have individual rights and freedom. Montesquieu felt that one way to make sure natural rights were guaranteed was to provide that governments did not get too much power. He put forth the idea that this could be done by separating the government into different branches and dividing the power among the branches. This idea can be seen clearly in the United States Constitution.

8 Attachment D Origins of the Rights of United States Citizens - Post Quiz Low Complexity Items: 1. What is a natural right? a. A basic right that humans earn if they obey laws b. A basic right that is given only to citizens of the United States c. A basic right with which all humans are born d. A basic right with which some humans are born 2. Which of the following is a natural right? a. The right to have paid vacations b. The right to own property c. The right to vote in elections d. The right to live in the United States 3. Which of the following documents was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment? a. The Declaration of Independence b. The United States Revenue Document c. The United States Rules Document d. The Declaration of the Confederacy

9 Moderate Complexity Items: 4. Montesquieu felt that for people to have freedom and individual rights, a government should not get too much power. Which of the ideas below best describes Montesquieu s idea of how to make sure a government doesn t get too much power? a. The government should be divided into branches to separate and balance the power. b. The government should be disbanded every four years and a new government elected. c. The most powerful part of the government should be replaced every two years to keep it from getting too much control d. The states should control the federal government to keep it for getting too much power.. 5. According to John Locke, what was the reason that government is needed? a. To organize a country b. To create an army to defend the country c. To protect the rights of the people d. To protect Enlightenment thinkers 6. Which of the following statements from the Declaration of Independence best reflects the ideas of John Locke? a. He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance b. For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments. c. In every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for redress in the most humble terms. d. All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

10 High Complexity Items 7. Which of the following best demonstrates a violation of a natural right? a. A person is forced to pay taxes to the government b. A person who has not paid taxes is embarrassed by having the matter discussed on television c. A person is put in jail for not paying taxes d. A person is sold into slavery for not paying taxes 8. The ideas of which group of people below are most evident in the Declaration of Independence? a. The philosophers of ancient Egypt b. The philosophers of the Enlightenment c. The monarchs and nobles of Great Britain d. The monarchs and nobles of France 9. Read the following excerpts from the Constitution of The United States to answer question 9: Article. I. Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Article. II. Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

11 Article III. Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. The above excerpts from the United States Constitution best reflect which of the following? a. George Washington s idea of defeating the British b. Baron de Montesqueu s ideas balancing power to ensure individual rights c. John Locke s idea of natural rights d. King George s ideas on granting rights to the colonists 10. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The above excerpt from the Declaration of Independence best reflects which of the following? a. George Washington s idea of defeating the British b. Baron de Montesqueu s ideas balancing power to ensure individual rights c. John Locke s idea of natural rights d. King George s ideas on granting rights to the colonists