Englightenment Ideals and the French Revolution

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Englightenment Ideals and the French Revolution

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Scientifical Advancements

Isaac Newton

The foundation of the enlightenment was first observed in the 16th and 17th century when scientists applied logic to explain the processes of nature and the universe. Among these scientists was Copernicus who reasoned that the earth revolved around the sun as opposed to the geocentric theory of the earth being the center of the universe.However, dissenting views of the old regime regarded the scientifical reasoning to be nonsense and impractical. Fortunately other followers of Copernicus such as Galileo and Isaac Newton made breakthrough advancements in the fields of mathematics and physics. Both shared the beliefs that one can use mathematics and logical reasoning to improve themselves as well as the rest of society. Newton suggested that "if one could discover natural laws by the use of reason, surely reason could also be applied to politics, the organization of society, and perhaps religion." His thoughts later inspired several philosophers that would soon lead society to a reformation and improvment.

Society and Organization
An English philosopher by the name of John Locke emphasized the importance of power between the citizens and the government. He highlighted the major points in the Social Contract which eventually brought awareness to the people in the regime. In the contract, he stated that the government holds power by the permission of its people and must be administered in the best interest of its citizens. Moreover, Locke also believed that if the government doesn't satisfy the needs of its own citizens, it has the right to be overthrown. Locke's ideas formed the foundation of a democratic lifesyle that was soon to emerge. Those who detested the economic organization of the old regime were willing to take certain measures for the best of society. The peasants specifically countered the government's economic role since they were the ones who had to pay the most in taxes and were degraded in social status. With this problem growing, it would be quite sensible for a revolution to occur in France. After all, absolutism is a growing problem in French society.

Individual Rights, Freedom, and Authority
Philosophical movements of human rights and liberties was a thorn to the tyrannic authority of King Louis XVI. The peasants being a large percentage of 18th France were given less rights and power due to the absolute monarchy. As a solution to society's problems, Montesquieu a french philosopher admired the seperation of power. Furthermore, he thought that all power belonging to one person is ridiculous and must come to an end. Marie Arouet de Voltaire was another important critic of the enlightenment and the champion of individual rights. Voltaire's primary focus was that all people of society should have some liberty and rights of religion and speech. Voltaire continuously fought to seek support of his views of liberty which he said was possible if people would develop tolerance and grace. This awareness of individual freedom was a factor that motivated people to revolt against the king's authorities and change the unbalanced power which angered the lower class.

John Locke

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Voltaire

Conclusion
The englightenment thinkers introduced several major concepts of rationalism and intellectual reasoning to society in France. The empirical ideas of early scientists like Isaac Newton was the foundation of future rationalism in 18th century France. Their ideology explains the ways to improve human nature and society. The philosophes worked on improving social organization by balancing the power and individual rights between the citizens and government. Moreover, their strong set of beliefs of the inspired and motivated the people of France to see the need for change in the political, social, and economical aspects of their government.

Absolute power corrupts Absolutely!

"Here comes the Revolution! Time for retribution!"

Revolution
~Judas Priest

ENGLIGHTENMENT IDEALS AND THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
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