2.1 philosophy in the age of reason

American Democracy comes from many places .....

Religious Ideas (Jewish & Christian)

English Gov’t (Parliament)Greek & Roman Gov’t

Philosophy of Enlightenment

The values found in the Bible, and the teachings of Jesus, inspired American ideals about Gov’t & morality.

The Magna Carta & English Bill of Rights guaranteed certain rights of citizens. Inspired U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Ancient Greek democracy and Roman republicanism have influenced American government.

Philosophers such as John Locke & Baron de Montesquieu influenced American ideas about gov’t.

Enlightenment When: 1700s

Who: originally European philosophers but adopted by well educated American Colonists.

What: European Intellectual Movement. Enlightenment philosophers believed that all problems could be solved by human reason.

Why: apply reason to government and politics.

Thomas Hobbes “The Pessimist”

English (1588 –1679)

1. People are naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish.

2. If they are not controlled they will fight, rob, and oppress each other.

3. People need powerful government and have a SOCIAL CONTRACT.

Govt Citizens

John Locke

“An Optimist & Thinker”

English (1637-1704)

1. People have natural rights (Life, liberty and property)

“I promise to protect

your rights”

“We give you

permission (consent) to

rule us”

We want freedom from England

because the king does not protect

our rights!

Signing the Declaration of Independence

Having a king is bad!

KING

LAW MAKER LAW ENFORCER COURTS

Our Government

has 3 branches!

Famous for Word Vomit

French

Famous Quote: “My trade is to say what I think”

Exposed corrupt officials & aristocrats Wrote about inequality, injustice, and

superstition. Anti-slavery + disliked religious

prejudice

1. Dear_________________2. I am a big fan because:________________3. I agree with your belief on:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(Explain).4. You are so much better than ___________(because…)

Sincerely,(sign your name)

AMAZING PICTURES

RHYMING SLOGAN

Effects of the Enlightment

Use observation to make new discoveries, rely on reason, and question traditional authority.

Led many American colonists to challenge the authority of the British monarchy.

Led to GREAT AWAKENING-rational religious thinkingmore diverse churches/beliefsmore tolerance of other’s religious beliefs.