The Enlightenment
By: Gabby and Lexi
Part 1
1. The Great intellectuals
Montesquieu- tried to the natural laws that govern the social and political relationships of Hamm beings.
Voltaire- Was best known for his criticism of Christianity and his strong belief in religious tolerance. He championed deism, a religious philosophy based on reason and natural law.
Diderot- Most famous for his contribution to the enlightenment was the Encyclopedia, or classified dictionary of science, arts and trades. It was 28 volumes.
2. New Social Science
Philosophies believed that Newtons methods could be used to discover that natural law underlying all areas of human life. This led to social sciences- areas like economics and political science.
3. Rights of Women
Men thought women were less of them and thought that they should control women. This led to the coming out of female philosophers who began to express their thoughts. The most powerful statement was made by female writer Mary Wollstonecraft. She identified the problems of society in the Enlightenment; people think of her as the founder of women's rights.
4. Social World of the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment affected mostly the upper class; it took little affect towards peasants and people of the lower class. It caused people to read more; it spreader ideas in European society. The Enlightenment ideas led to bigger things like the salon. The salons were extravagant drawings of people in the upper class.
5. Religion
Many philosophes attacked the Christian churches even though they were Christians. Many of the people just sought a deeper personal devotion. The Catholic church remained an important center of life for the entire community.