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The 18th century: the Enlightenment, image, image, image - Coggle Diagram
The 18th century: the Enlightenment
The 18th century was a time of transition between the Early Modern Age and the Modern Age in Europe
Enlightenment
Was an important intellectual movement and a new way of thinking that emerged in Europe during the 18th century.
Thinkers criticised the political and social structures of the Ancien Régime
Thought
Learning and teaching are essential
Reason is the only real source of knowledge, rather than irrational beliefs and dogma
Science and technological progress would lead to economic growth and improve people's wellbeing
Equality and liberty are crucial
THE POLITICAL IDEAS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT
Thinkers did not support absolute monarchy and they proposed measures to limit its powers, such as the separation of powers and popular sovereignty.
Montesquieu argued for the separation of powers
Voltaire favoured a strong monarchy. However, he also thought its power should be limited by parliament
Rousseau introduced the idea of popular sovereignty
THE ECONOMIC IDEAS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT
Voltaire favoured a strong monarchy. However, he also thought its power should be limited by parliament
Physiocrats believed that
Craftsmanship and trade are secondary activities, since they rely on agriculture
The state, that is to say, absolute monarchs, should not intervene in the economy, since protectionist measures inhibit international trade
Agriculture is a country's main source of wealth because it provides the products needed for food and the raw materials for craftsmanship
ECONOMIC LIBERALISM
The basic principle of economic liberalism is that the state should not intervene in the processes of production or exchange of goods
As a result, economic liberals argued for
Freedom of production for business owners
Free trade
Free competition
