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Rene Descartes
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Rene Descartes
All the philosophical thoughts between the 17th and 18th century were highly influenced by Descartes. He was famous for saying "Je pense, donc je suis" which means, "I think, therefore I am". He believed any being that could think proved themselves.He tried to reconstruct his beliefs into purely rational beliefs. Current day philosophers believe he never achieved that. He also helped create the scientific method with Francis Bacon. -
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbest was best known for his political thought. His influences are still slightly in our politics today. He was trying to figure out a way where everyone could live in peace without conflict. He was scared of war. -
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Voltaire
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The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment ideas and influences spread quickly. It affected all parts of life. It affected polotics and literature more so than other things. But it also affected art and music as well. -
Salons of the Enlightenment era
The philosophers and salonnieres worked closely together. Their roles were similiar but not the same. The salons, located in Paris, were called Parisian salons. The Republic of Letters met there. The Republic of Letters where made up of the salonnieres, philosophical women, and men the philosophes. -
L'esprit des lois (Montesquieu)
Montesquieu was influenced heavily by John Locke. He wrote a book named L'esprit des lois, which had many of Locke's ideas and influences in it. Montesquieu tried to explain the legal system of each nation. He was very impressed by Locke's three division of the government. -
Philosophers
Philosophers are people who develop their own ideas on different things, such as government, society, religion, etc. Their ideas become influential sometimes and they might even become famous for their beliefs and ideas. -
Voltaire
He wasn't a big person in the Enlightenment. His biggest role was helping to spread Newton and Locke's idea's around France. He helped to spread Atheism as well. -
Mary Wollstonecraft
She believe that women should have the right to education. She thought that women would be able to be better wives and mothers if they got to have education in anything they want. NOt only would she be able to communicate with her husband better but she would also teach her children better as well. She started the feminist movement. -
Enlightened Despots
Enlightened Despots is a form of government in the 18th century. Absolute monarchs pursued educational, legal and social reforms that were influenced by the Enlightenment. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Englightenment era helped shape America in many ways. One way was the influence of the Declaration of Independence. The way the Enlightenment era influenced the document was the idea that everyone deserves their own personal freedom. This idea played a huge role in the Declaration of Independence. -
U.S. Consititution
One of the strongest voices during the Enlightenement was John Locke. He believed that humans had rights to their property, life and liberty. These beliefs made a impact on the American Constitution. Baron de Montesquieu was a admirer of John Locke and used his ideas to help shape the American ways.
