The Age of Enlightenment and Its Impact on Modern Thinking
Magaly Sermeno September 28, 2014
The Age of Enlightenment began in the late 17th century. People began questioning about the world and the explanations of the church. So new ideas and knowledge began forming. European philosophers discovered new explanations and moved away from medieval thinking to modern thoughts. Many of the discoveries during the Enlightenment have impacted modern thinking with the role of women in society and the government system. Some of the most influential philosophers include John Locke, Montesquieu, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire. These philosophers created ideas regarding the system of government and church explanations. John Locke believed in Democracy, he wanted each individual to have the equal rights and be able to have a word in the government. In the DBQ, document one states Locke wanted political power so everyone can have equal rights. In addition, philosopher Montesquieu believed the government should be spilt up into three sorts of powers. In document two, it states Montesquieu wanted to divided the powers in three to avoid conflict with one being more powerful than the others. Jean Jacques Rousseau was another influential philosopher believed society was greater than the individuals. In document three he stated that in the social contract terms, individuals should motivated others to be part of a bigger community. Lastly, Voltaire believed there should be equality between religion and toleration. The Enlightenment philosopher impacted modern day thinking was the ideas the famous philosophers created. For example, Montesquieu idea of dividing the powers into three would help organize the government influenced the American government. Also, the idea of political power influenced the democracy. Which allows individuals to have a say in the government. Therefore, many of the ideas created during the Enlightenment influenced the modern American government.
The Age of Enlightenment began in the late 17th century. People began questioning about the world and the explanations of the church. So new ideas and knowledge began forming. European philosophers discovered new explanations and moved away from medieval thinking to modern thoughts. Many of the discoveries during the Enlightenment have impacted modern thinking with the role of women in society and the government system. Some of the most influential philosophers include John Locke, Montesquieu, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire. These philosophers created ideas regarding the system of government and church explanations. John Locke believed in Democracy, he wanted each individual to have the equal rights and be able to have a word in the government. In the DBQ, document one states Locke wanted political power so everyone can have equal rights. In addition, philosopher Montesquieu believed the government should be spilt up into three sorts of powers. In document two, it states Montesquieu wanted to divided the powers in three to avoid conflict with one being more powerful than the others. Jean Jacques Rousseau was another influential philosopher believed society was greater than the individuals. In document three he stated that in the social contract terms, individuals should motivated others to be part of a bigger community. Lastly, Voltaire believed there should be equality between religion and toleration. The Enlightenment philosopher impacted modern day thinking was the ideas the famous philosophers created. For example, Montesquieu idea of dividing the powers into three would help organize the government influenced the American government. Also, the idea of political power influenced the democracy. Which allows individuals to have a say in the government. Therefore, many of the ideas created during the Enlightenment influenced the modern American government.