Question
The English philosopher John Locke had a major influence on Enlightenment political thought. In 1690, he published Two Treatises of Government. In this work, Locke argued for government as a contract between the ruler and the people.
"Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal, and independent, no one can be... subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty... is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community."A constitution, or written plan for government, is one form of this contract. A constitution defines the relationship between the government and its citizens, outlines the structure of the government, and describes the government's powers. Because a contract binds both sides, it limits the ruler's power.John Locke worked as a professor, physician, and government official. He wrote about the human mind, science, government, religion, and other topics. Locke believed in the right of common people to think and worship as they pleased and to own property. He also had great faith in science and people's basic goodness. Not everyone liked his ideas. At one point Locke fled to Holland to avoid arrest by political enemies. Locke's ideas have inspired political reforms in the West for some 300 years.Locke also declared that all people had certain natural rights. He thought that no person was born with special privileges. According to Locke, this equality should be reflected in government. The government's decisions should reflect majority rule. A government also had to protect the natural rights of those in the minority. If It didn't protect the rights of all its citizens, the people had the right to change rulers. Locke thought that government existed only for the common good of the people.French philosophers popularized many Enlightenment Ideas. One philosopher, Voltaire (vohl-TAYR), mocked government and religion In his writings. Instead of trusting God to improve human happiness, Voltaire believed humans could improve their own existence.Voltaire is the pen name of the French philosopher and author François Marie Arouet. He used his wit, intelligerice, and sense of justice to poke fun at religious Intolerance Voltaire's skill and bold Ideas made him a popular writer. In his writings he argued that the purpose of life is the pursuit of human happiness through progress in science and the arts.
Having gotten in trouble for some of his writings, Voltaire also spoke out against censorship-removal of information considered harmful. He argued, "I [may] disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." His statement emphasized the Enlightenment goal of freedom of thought.Against Censorship
In 18th-century France, royal censors had to approve a book before it could be published. When one of Voltaire's books was published without such approval, a government official burned it in public, and Voltaire was forced to flee Paris, in the following excerpt, Voltaire uses wit rather than anger to expose the folly of suppressing books
"In general, we have as natural a right to make use of our pens as our language, at our peril, risk, and fortune. I know many books which fatigue, but I know of none which have done real evil [Some] cry: 'Religion is destroyed, the government is lost, if you print certain truths. Never attempt to think, till you have demanded permission from a monk or an officer....
Let us see, if you please, what state has been lost by a book.... But if there appears among you any new book, the Ideas of which shock your own-supposing you have any-or of which the author may be of a party contrary to yours-or what is worse, of which the author may not be of any party at all-then you cry out 'Firel' and let all be noise, scandal, and uproar in your small corner of the earth. Does a book displease you? refute it. Does It tire you? read it not.
Let us read, and let us dance-these two amusements will never do any harm to the world"
-VoltaireFrench thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau (roo-SOH) criticized divine right. He believed in popular sovereignty (SAHV-ruhn-tee). In The Social Contract, published in 1762, Rousseau said, "Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains.Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that governments should be limited and express the will of the people. He sald people enter into a social contract with their government, giving it the right to create and enforce laws.
According to Rousseau, citizens submit to the authority of government to protect their own Interests, entering Into a "social contract." This contract gives the government the power to make and enforce laws as long as it serves the people. The government should give up that power if it is not serving the people.Charles-Louis Montesquieu (mohn-te-SKYOO) was a member of the French nobility. He built on Locke's Ideas In The Spirit of the Laws, published in 1748. Montesquieu claimed that a government should be divided into separate branches to protect people's freedom. In this Idea, known as the separation of powers, the powers of each branch of government are limited by the others. In addition, each branch has certain powers that the others don't have. As a result, the separate branches must share power. None of the Individual branches can control the government completely.
Separation of Powers
When Charles-Louis Montesquieu published The Spirit of the Laws in 1748, it was immediately viewed by many as one of the most important political writings of the period. Montesquieu used England's government as a model for his discussion of the separation of powers. The concept later became the model for the US. Constitution
"When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistracy, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.
Again, there is no liberty, if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative andexecutive. Were It joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject would be exposed to arbitrary control, for the Judge would be then the legislator. Were it joined to the executive power, the Judge might behave with violence and oppression"
-Charles-Louis MontesquieuWomen and men also began to publish their ideas in books, pamphlets, and newspaper articles. British writer Mary Wollstonecraft, for example, argued that women should have the same rights as men.Born in 1759, Mary Wollstonecraft was raised in a middle-class household, but after the death of her mother, she had to find employment. Most of Wollstonecraft's early work experiences were in education. In 1784, she helped launch a school for girls in North London. When the school had to close the following year, she took a position as a governess in the house of an Irish noble family.
Wollstonecraft's career as a writer began in 1787, with the publication of Thoughts on the Education of Daughters. In this book, she offered advice for raising intelligent and independent daughters. The next year, Wollstonecraft became a translator and literary adviser to her publisher, Joseph Johnson. Many of the texts published by Johnson were influenced by Enlightenment ideas.
When the French Revolution began in 1789, Wollstonecraft wasone of its most vocal supporters. In 1790, Wollstonecraft published a passionate defense of the French Revolution. In it, she attacked the monarchy and aristocracy, and called for a French republic.
In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Here, she argued that women should have, in certain areas of daily life, the same rights as men. She also wrote that all women need to receive an education. According to Wollstonecraft, educated women make better wives and mothers. This, in turn, leads to a more prosperous nation. Wollstonecraft later incorporated some of these ideas in a feminist novel. Although Wollstonecraft died before its publication, her novel and her other writing influenced feminist thinkers during the twentieth century.Using only your thinking map and the linked eBook readings, you will write a 3 paragraph essay.
Paragraph 1: What were the main ideas of Looke, Voltaire, Rousseau Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft?
Paragraph 2: How did the ideas of the Enlightenment Thinkers challenge or change government?
Paragraph 3: Which enlightenment ideas do you see reflected in our world today?
Each paragraph should be 4-5 complete sentences in the following format:
1 Topic sentence: complete sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.
2-3 Supporting Sentences: complete sentences that develop the main idea of the topic sentence.
1 Concluding Sentence: complete sentence that summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
Make it look like a 7th grader who is I.E.P wrote it
Make sure no one can find this
"Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal, and independent, no one can be... subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty... is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community."A constitution, or written plan for government, is one form of this contract. A constitution defines the relationship between the government and its citizens, outlines the structure of the government, and describes the government's powers. Because a contract binds both sides, it limits the ruler's power.John Locke worked as a professor, physician, and government official. He wrote about the human mind, science, government, religion, and other topics. Locke believed in the right of common people to think and worship as they pleased and to own property. He also had great faith in science and people's basic goodness. Not everyone liked his ideas. At one point Locke fled to Holland to avoid arrest by political enemies. Locke's ideas have inspired political reforms in the West for some 300 years.Locke also declared that all people had certain natural rights. He thought that no person was born with special privileges. According to Locke, this equality should be reflected in government. The government's decisions should reflect majority rule. A government also had to protect the natural rights of those in the minority. If It didn't protect the rights of all its citizens, the people had the right to change rulers. Locke thought that government existed only for the common good of the people.French philosophers popularized many Enlightenment Ideas. One philosopher, Voltaire (vohl-TAYR), mocked government and religion In his writings. Instead of trusting God to improve human happiness, Voltaire believed humans could improve their own existence.Voltaire is the pen name of the French philosopher and author François Marie Arouet. He used his wit, intelligerice, and sense of justice to poke fun at religious Intolerance Voltaire's skill and bold Ideas made him a popular writer. In his writings he argued that the purpose of life is the pursuit of human happiness through progress in science and the arts.
Having gotten in trouble for some of his writings, Voltaire also spoke out against censorship-removal of information considered harmful. He argued, "I [may] disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." His statement emphasized the Enlightenment goal of freedom of thought.Against Censorship
In 18th-century France, royal censors had to approve a book before it could be published. When one of Voltaire's books was published without such approval, a government official burned it in public, and Voltaire was forced to flee Paris, in the following excerpt, Voltaire uses wit rather than anger to expose the folly of suppressing books
"In general, we have as natural a right to make use of our pens as our language, at our peril, risk, and fortune. I know many books which fatigue, but I know of none which have done real evil [Some] cry: 'Religion is destroyed, the government is lost, if you print certain truths. Never attempt to think, till you have demanded permission from a monk or an officer....
Let us see, if you please, what state has been lost by a book.... But if there appears among you any new book, the Ideas of which shock your own-supposing you have any-or of which the author may be of a party contrary to yours-or what is worse, of which the author may not be of any party at all-then you cry out 'Firel' and let all be noise, scandal, and uproar in your small corner of the earth. Does a book displease you? refute it. Does It tire you? read it not.
Let us read, and let us dance-these two amusements will never do any harm to the world"
-VoltaireFrench thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau (roo-SOH) criticized divine right. He believed in popular sovereignty (SAHV-ruhn-tee). In The Social Contract, published in 1762, Rousseau said, "Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains.Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that governments should be limited and express the will of the people. He sald people enter into a social contract with their government, giving it the right to create and enforce laws.
According to Rousseau, citizens submit to the authority of government to protect their own Interests, entering Into a "social contract." This contract gives the government the power to make and enforce laws as long as it serves the people. The government should give up that power if it is not serving the people.Charles-Louis Montesquieu (mohn-te-SKYOO) was a member of the French nobility. He built on Locke's Ideas In The Spirit of the Laws, published in 1748. Montesquieu claimed that a government should be divided into separate branches to protect people's freedom. In this Idea, known as the separation of powers, the powers of each branch of government are limited by the others. In addition, each branch has certain powers that the others don't have. As a result, the separate branches must share power. None of the Individual branches can control the government completely.
Separation of Powers
When Charles-Louis Montesquieu published The Spirit of the Laws in 1748, it was immediately viewed by many as one of the most important political writings of the period. Montesquieu used England's government as a model for his discussion of the separation of powers. The concept later became the model for the US. Constitution
"When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistracy, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.
Again, there is no liberty, if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative andexecutive. Were It joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject would be exposed to arbitrary control, for the Judge would be then the legislator. Were it joined to the executive power, the Judge might behave with violence and oppression"
-Charles-Louis MontesquieuWomen and men also began to publish their ideas in books, pamphlets, and newspaper articles. British writer Mary Wollstonecraft, for example, argued that women should have the same rights as men.Born in 1759, Mary Wollstonecraft was raised in a middle-class household, but after the death of her mother, she had to find employment. Most of Wollstonecraft's early work experiences were in education. In 1784, she helped launch a school for girls in North London. When the school had to close the following year, she took a position as a governess in the house of an Irish noble family.
Wollstonecraft's career as a writer began in 1787, with the publication of Thoughts on the Education of Daughters. In this book, she offered advice for raising intelligent and independent daughters. The next year, Wollstonecraft became a translator and literary adviser to her publisher, Joseph Johnson. Many of the texts published by Johnson were influenced by Enlightenment ideas.
When the French Revolution began in 1789, Wollstonecraft wasone of its most vocal supporters. In 1790, Wollstonecraft published a passionate defense of the French Revolution. In it, she attacked the monarchy and aristocracy, and called for a French republic.
In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Here, she argued that women should have, in certain areas of daily life, the same rights as men. She also wrote that all women need to receive an education. According to Wollstonecraft, educated women make better wives and mothers. This, in turn, leads to a more prosperous nation. Wollstonecraft later incorporated some of these ideas in a feminist novel. Although Wollstonecraft died before its publication, her novel and her other writing influenced feminist thinkers during the twentieth century.Using only your thinking map and the linked eBook readings, you will write a 3 paragraph essay.
Paragraph 1: What were the main ideas of Looke, Voltaire, Rousseau Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft?
Paragraph 2: How did the ideas of the Enlightenment Thinkers challenge or change government?
Paragraph 3: Which enlightenment ideas do you see reflected in our world today?
Each paragraph should be 4-5 complete sentences in the following format:
1 Topic sentence: complete sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.
2-3 Supporting Sentences: complete sentences that develop the main idea of the topic sentence.
1 Concluding Sentence: complete sentence that summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
Make it look like a 7th grader who is I.E.P wrote it
Make sure no one can find this
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**The Main Ideas of Enlightenment Thinkers**
The Enlightenment thinkers John Locke, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, and Mary Wollstonecraft each had important ideas that shaped our understanding of government and society. John Locke believed in a government based on a social contract that protects natural rights and requires the consent of the governed. Voltaire emphasized freedom of speech and criticized censorship, arguing that people should have the right to express their ideas. Rousseau focused on the idea of popular sovereignty, stating that governments should reflect the will of the people, while Montesquieu proposed the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny. Mary Wollstonecraft advocated for women's rights, emphasizing the need for education and equality between men and women. Together, these thinkers laid the foundation for modern political thought and human rights.
**How Enlightenment Ideas Challenged Government**
The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers challenged existing governments by promoting new concepts about individual rights and the role of government. Locke's argument for the consent of the governed questioned the traditional idea of monarchy and divine right, suggesting that rulers must be accountable to the people. Voltaire’s criticism of censorship and support for free speech encouraged individuals to speak out against oppressive governments. Rousseau’s belief in the social contract asserted that governments should serve the people’s interests; otherwise, they could be overthrown. Montesquieu’s separation of powers inspired frameworks to limit government authority and protect freedoms. These revolutionary ideas led to significant changes and reforms in various governments around the world.
**Enlightenment Ideas in Today’s World**
Many Enlightenment ideas are still reflected in our world today, especially in democratic societies. The principle of individual rights advocated by Locke is seen in various human rights declarations around the globe. Freedom of speech, championed by Voltaire, remains a core value in many countries, allowing for diverse opinions and open discussions. The concept of popular sovereignty, highlighted by Rousseau, continues to be a foundation for democratic governments, ensuring that the people have a voice in their governance. Lastly, Wollstonecraft’s push for equality for women has inspired ongoing movements for gender equality and women’s rights. Overall, these Enlightenment ideas continue to shape our understanding of justice, freedom, and equality.
The Enlightenment thinkers John Locke, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, and Mary Wollstonecraft each had important ideas that shaped our understanding of government and society. John Locke believed in a government based on a social contract that protects natural rights and requires the consent of the governed. Voltaire emphasized freedom of speech and criticized censorship, arguing that people should have the right to express their ideas. Rousseau focused on the idea of popular sovereignty, stating that governments should reflect the will of the people, while Montesquieu proposed the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny. Mary Wollstonecraft advocated for women's rights, emphasizing the need for education and equality between men and women. Together, these thinkers laid the foundation for modern political thought and human rights.
**How Enlightenment Ideas Challenged Government**
The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers challenged existing governments by promoting new concepts about individual rights and the role of government. Locke's argument for the consent of the governed questioned the traditional idea of monarchy and divine right, suggesting that rulers must be accountable to the people. Voltaire’s criticism of censorship and support for free speech encouraged individuals to speak out against oppressive governments. Rousseau’s belief in the social contract asserted that governments should serve the people’s interests; otherwise, they could be overthrown. Montesquieu’s separation of powers inspired frameworks to limit government authority and protect freedoms. These revolutionary ideas led to significant changes and reforms in various governments around the world.
**Enlightenment Ideas in Today’s World**
Many Enlightenment ideas are still reflected in our world today, especially in democratic societies. The principle of individual rights advocated by Locke is seen in various human rights declarations around the globe. Freedom of speech, championed by Voltaire, remains a core value in many countries, allowing for diverse opinions and open discussions. The concept of popular sovereignty, highlighted by Rousseau, continues to be a foundation for democratic governments, ensuring that the people have a voice in their governance. Lastly, Wollstonecraft’s push for equality for women has inspired ongoing movements for gender equality and women’s rights. Overall, these Enlightenment ideas continue to shape our understanding of justice, freedom, and equality.