Age Of Enlightenment DBQ

The late 17th and 18th centuries, also known as the ‘Age of Enlightenment’ or the ‘Age of reason’, was a time period when educated intellectuals came together to discuss political, religious, economic, and social questions. These men were known as philosophes, or philosophers, whose discussions helped shape the modern capitalistic and democratic world we live in today. Philosophers back then discussed on issues regarding the government and individual freedom. For example, John Locke argued about the government taking many of the important rights of a citizen, such as the right to overthrow a government if it became corrupt. Voltaire discussed on issues regarding freedom of religion, whereas other philosophers like Adam Smith focused on the

economy and government interferences. Mary Wollstonecraft was also another philosopher who pushed for women’s rights and equal education. These philosophers from the Age of Enlightenment had one common idea that they pursued which was individual freedom regardless of one’s government.

Many of the few philosophers from the 17th and 18th century had ideas on individual freedom from the government. John Locke, an Enlightenment philosopher, pursued the idea of individual freedom from the government and a person’s role in the government. He argued about having enough freedom to get rid of a corrupt and failed government for the good of the nation. “But the state of mankind is not so miserable that they are not capable of using this remedy, … they have not only a right to get out of [a failed government], but to prevent it” (document A). Locke is implying the idea of having enough liberty and freedom to prevent a government from being corrupt and failing. The government exists to protect a man’s natural rights. If the government fails to do this, then it can be overthrown by the people. “...(W)e must consider, what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose [manage] of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature…” (document A). This goes to further support Locke’s claim of all people having equal individual freedom and power. Another philosopher that had similar ideas to Locke was Voltaire. Voltaire believed that everyone should have the right to pick their own religion. “If one religion only were allowed in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary [unrestrained]; if there were two, the people would cut one another’s throats; but as there are such a multitude, they all live happy and in peace” (document B). This shows how Voltaire implied reason and showed how different cultural ideas would help keep society happy. This would require everyone to have equal rights and freedom. John Locke and Voltaire both argued for individual freedom from the government using reason and logic found during the Enlightenment period.

Other philosophers from the 17th and 18th century focused more on individual decisions and wanted the government to not interfere in the economy or society.

Adam Smith was a philosopher who believed that no government interferences in the economy would result in a much more stable and prosperous economic system. “[Without government interference] the obvious and simple system of natural liberty establishes itself of its own accord” (document C). This shows how one’s self interest of gain drives the economy and no government interference should be made. Smith also talks about a happy and unexpected result when people pursue their own economic gain which basically supports the economy. “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more [effectively] than when he really intends to promote it” (document C). This shows how personal interest and self gain end up driving the economy as more goods are bought and sold. Mary Wollstonecraft was another philosopher that shared common ideas with Smith. She believed that women should get equal rights and education as men. “... women must be allowed to found their virtue on knowledge, which is scarcely possible unless they be educated by the same pursuits [studies] as men” (document D). Wollstonecraft implies that equal education can lead to equal rights. This again goes back to individual freedom and decision making. “... reason and experience convince me that the only method of leading women to fulfill their peculiar duties is to free them from all restraint by allowing them to participate in the inherent rights of mankind” (document D). This shows how equal opportunities with both sexes can lead to success. It would just require women to have their individual freedom and rights. Both Smith and Wollstonecraft, Enlightenment philosophers, argued about individual freedom and person decision making without outer influences like the government or

society.