Manuel Paredes

History
3rd
02/24/17

The Arrival of Reasoning

Have you heard of the enlightenment philosophers? Did you know if it wasnt for them
todays life could have been different.The 17th and 18th century the era known as the
enlightenment were the times of many changes. In the middle of science discoveries and religion
disagreements, people were questioning traditional ways of living and knowing. There is four
important philosophers that wrote about different areas of human society. Those areas in the
human society are government, religion, the economy, and the social roles of woman. What are
the main ideas of these four philosophers? And why is this all important?
The first Philosopher is John Locke, Locke was born during the times when Englands
Government was an absolute monarchy. Absolute monarchy is when a king or queen has the
power to rule and sometimes asked for advice and assistance from parliament. Locke had a
different view of the government. they have not only a right to get out of [a failed government],
but to prevent it. (Doc A) . He thought that all men are equal and born free, and that us people
could create another government if the last failed.
The next philosopher is Voltaire, Voltaire was born in Paris in 1694. His interest were
more in peace. He thought if all religions were allowed to be in the same place at the same time,
there would be more peace. But if there was only one religion was allowed there would be
conflict in the government. but as there are such a multitude, they all live happy and in
peace.(Doc B). Voltaires main idea was to have a peaceful and happy society.
The third philosopher is Adam Smith. Mercantilism was common economic system
during Smiths time. Mercantilism was to make the state or country rich. Smith believed in
individual decision, he know that businessmen knew what the people wanted. Led by an
invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention.(Doc c) He knew that the
individual worked in order to make the most personal gain and to make society better. Smiths
main idea was that the economy should be made up of the individual instead of the government.
The last philosopher is Mary Wollstonecraft. During the 18th century, people believed
that women should be dependent on men. Which made them discouraged from taking any kind
of education and to make logical, reasoned arguments. She reasoned for the Vindication of the
Rights of Woman. To render mankind more virtuous, and happier of course, both sexes must act
from the same princlpe. (Doc D) She believed that both Men and women should be equal and
have the same opportunities.
What are the main ideas of these four philosophers? The main ideas of Locke, Smith,
Voltaire, and Wollstonecrafts is individual freedom to make society better. They all used
reasoning in there work. If it wasnt for them there would be conflcit among religion, there
would still be problems with woman rights, and problems with the government. If it wasnt for
the age of reasoning and these philosophers we would probably be living different.