The Enlightenment was a timer period where bold new ideas were shared about how government and society should function over the course of the 1600’s and 1700’s. We still find many of these ideas important to this day. You will examine several quotes from Enlightenment philosophers to understand what they wanted during their time period and then think about whether or not you agree each of their ideas would be appropriate in our world today and why. As always, make sure to look up any words used that you are not familiar with and make sure to fully explain your thoughts in your own words.
1. “Reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind… that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” -John Locke
A. The Enlightenment philosophers emphasizing “reason” was inspired by the Scientific Revolution. When people like John Locke argued that reason “is that law” for determining the ideal form of government and society, what do you think they meant by that?
B. According to Locke’s quote, what seem to be the characteristics of his ideal government and society?
C. Do you think Locke’s ideas would be a good model for our country today? Why or why not?
2. "As long as men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in the condition known as ‘war' [where life is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." -Thomas Hobbes
A. According to Hobbes’ quote, what seems to be his view on how human beings naturally behave?
B. What then seem to be the characteristics of Hobbes’ ideal government and society?
C. Do you think Hobbes’ ideas would be a good model for our country today? Why or why not?
3. "To prevent [political] abuse, it is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power." -Montesquieu
A. According to Montesquieu’s quote, what is the way to prevent the political abuse of power?
B. What then seem to be the characteristics of Montesquieu’s ideal government and society?
C. Do you think Montesquieu’s ideas would be a good model for our country today? Why or why not?
4. "To become respectable, [women] must only bow to the authority of reason, instead of being the MODEST slaves of opinion." -Mary Wollstonecraft
A. We again see the word “reason” pop up in this quote. Why do you think Wollstonecraft means when she says women “must only bow to the authority of reason?”
B. What then seem to be the characteristics of Wollstonecraft’s ideal government and society?
C. We have come a long way in obtaining gender equality since Wollstonecraft’s time with women serving as business leaders, scientists, and politicians today. While women make up slightly more than half of America’s population, they serve in a significantly smaller percent of leadership roles, such as less than 20% of Congress today being women. Do you think Wollstonecraft’s ideas play an important role in our modern society? Why or why not?
