The Age of Enlightenment
Challenging Ideas
The Age of Enlightenment brought influential thinkers whose ideas inspired change, notably those of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
John Locke
John Locke's influence on the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for Western cultural values.
Social Contract Theory: Locke's social contract theory asserted that individuals possess natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson incorporated those rights into the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Hobbes
The Enlightenment's critique of traditional monarchies was affected by thinkers like Thomas Hobbes.
Hobbesian Philosophy: Hobbes' perspective on the necessity of a strong central authority was that it maintained order and prevented chaos in society.
Impact on Political Thought: The Enlightenment challenged monarchs and explored alternative governance models which influenced political thought and the American Revolution.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The transformative ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to social change during the Enlightenment.
The Social Contract: Rousseau's concept of the social contract emphasized the collective will of the people and the idea that true sovereignty rests with the community.
Influence on Democratic Ideals: Rousseau's ideas fostered the development of democratic ideals and inspiring movements advocating for social and political change.
The Age of Enlightenment eventually led to _____________.
the American Revolution
the War of 1812
the Civil War