HIST 102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Autocracy, Philosophes, The Blank Slate
Document Summary
Rogers chapter 4: the enlightenment and the revolution of the mind. The enlightenment = age of reason (18th century) - discussion of machines, natural laws, moral responsibility, education, purpose of religion. Great writers in science, philosophy, and political thought natural laws and their applications. Intellectuals who examined and challenged the economic theories and political and religious assumptions of the day (pg. 66) one has natural rights and must use them to control one"s fate and better life on earth. ^ not compatible with political absolutism restrained individual liberty. Philosophes opposed to mercantilism (government control of economy, trading monopolies) Philosophes generally didn"t like religion either no reason or proof, saw organized (individual profit, individuality) religion as controlling. Enlightenment rationalists knowledge must have a practical purpose and inquiry must yield useful knowledge (pg 66) Reason = common sense free of social. Naivete of philosophes - expected peace, no fear/distrust of human nature and technology.
