Dbq On The Enlightenment

In the early 1700’s, philosophers and thinkers studied topics important to them and society. Philosophers met in english drawing rooms and discussed things such as government, politics, economics, and social struggles. This brought about the Age of Reason or Enlightenment Period. The Enlightenment was a time that brought thought and reason to the people in society with the help of philosophers. John Locke was one of the many philosopher of The Enlightenment who believed in natural rights and equality of man, although relate to class or position. Locke states in his writing Second Treatise on Civil Government, “(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….” (Locke, Document A). What Locke means is that equality between classes makes for a society free of judgement and tension. If man is born with the natural rights to choose his/her actions, shouldn't they be allowed to do or say whatever they choose? Locke believes that people should be able to do as they wish with themselves, as long as their actions don’t interfere with the law. If man, in Locke’s opinion, should be free among themselves and others, he also states that, “...creatures of the same species and rank..should also be equal one amongst another without subordination or subjection [lowering of position]....” (Locke, Document A). In this claim, Locke still holds onto that man should live amongst one another freely, but he also claims that man in the same class, species, grouping, or rank should be equal to each other, no one higher or lower that the rest. So to reiterate Locke’s position in thinking, all men [people] should be free to make individual decisions and actions for themselves as they please, [although within law] and shall be equal to all other men in the same class or rank as him/herself. Another one of the most influential philosophers in his time was Voltaire [Francois-Marie Arouet]. Voltaire believed in a society of complete tolerance between all religions, in the spite of keeping peace and respect in society. For example, in Voltaire’s Letters Concerning the English Nation, he writes, “If one religion only were allowed in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary [unrestrained]; if here were but …show more content…
Smith was a philosopher who believed that mercantilism was the best way to establish a society and make economy rise. He thought that if an individual strives to make a more profitable living, he/she is not only going to contribute to his/her own live, nut to the overall profit of society. In his work, The Wealth of Nations he writes, “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more [effectively] than when he really intends to promote it…” (Smith, Document C). Smith means that if individuals make more money, then the city make money as well. He also states that, “As every individual, therefore, endeavours as much as he can both to employ his capital [money] in the support of...industry, and so to direct that industry that its produce may be of the greatest value; every individual necessarily [contributes to] the annual revenue of the society as great as he can…” (Smith, Document C). Smith believes that prosperous citizens make for a prosperous