Joshua Skrapits

WC Enlightenment D.B.Q
Main Ideas of the Enlightenment
During the late 17th and 18th century in Europe, well-educated people known as philosophes, or
philosophers, met in French salons and English drawing rooms to discuss political, economic, social and
religious questions (Doc 3). The Age of Enlightenment strengthened ideas in government, religion,
economics, and gender equality. These ideas were important for opening the minds of people to be
enlightened. Many of these philosophers ideas were applied towards the government of their time.
Philosophers such as John Locke encouraged the fact that government was needed to sustain the
freedoms of the people. Religion in society, observed by Voltaire, was important for maintaining freedom
for people, because people wanted to be able to practice what whatever religion they saw fit. Ideas about
economics from Adam Smith also helped to increase productivity, profit, and freedom to pursue personal
gain. Another philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft, was an activist towards equality of women, men, and
people in general.
One Philosopher John Locke believed: When government is dissolved, the people are at liberty
to provide for themselves (Doc A). He believed people should be free to the limitations of nature.
Locke believed the people should have the power to overthrow a tyrannical government, and that a
government should have a system of checks and balances. According to this information, Locke believed
that people should have a say in any and all affairs affecting themselves and those around them.
The philosopher Voltaire believed that diversity in religions is important for all parts of a nation.
He shows this by saying: Take a view of the royal exchange in London...where the representatives of all
nations meet for the benefit of mankind (Doc B). He believed that in society it is important to have
religious diversity. The diversity is also good for idea change according to Voltaire. It is apparent that
Locke, and Voltaire have similar concepts in ideas towards freedom, of people and religion.
Adam Smith believed that individual decision making was better for economy, as opposed to a
government in control. [Without government interference] the obvious and simple system of natural
liberty establishes itself of its own accord (Doc C). He believed when people pursued their own
economic gain, that society flourishes. Smith mentions that people are led by an invisible hand, which
indicates that he was talking about people being led by god. These points show that he believes people
should make their own decisions.
Mary Wollstonecraft was a major influence towards gender equality. She stated: The most
perfect education, in my opinion, is to enable the individual to attain such habits of virtue as will render
[her] independent (Doc D). She was particularly a feminine activist explaining why she would indicate a
female as opposed to everybody in general. She based all of her views off of reason and experience.
She strongly believed everybody should be equal. All of the Philosophers of this age had ideas about
people, their rights, and equality.

The Age of Enlightenment strengthened ideas in government, religion, economics, and gender
equality. These ideas were important for opening the minds of people to be enlightened. Many of these
philosophers ideas were applied towards the government of their time. A prime example would be the
early United States, although appearing 300 years later, applied all of the ideas of these philosophers to
the U.S. Constitution. Their ideas made a huge impact on people, and their everyday life.