Enlightenment Ideas: Locke, Rousseau, and Democratic Documents
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The Meaning of Enlightenment
The Enlightenment refers to the use of reason in shaping people’s ideas about society and politics.
Key Enlightenment Ideas
- The ability to reason is unique to humans.
- Reason can be used to solve problems and improve people’s lives.
- Reason can free people from ignorance.
- The natural world is governed by laws that can be discovered through reason.
- Natural laws also govern human behavior.
- Governments should reflect natural laws and encourage education and debate.
John Locke's View on Government
Locke believed government should be a contract between a ruler and the people. This contract binds both sides, limiting the ruler’s power. Locke also asserted that all people possess certain natural rights, such as life, liberty,... Continue reading "Enlightenment Ideas: Locke, Rousseau, and Democratic Documents" »