Craig Watson

W.C. Enlightenment DBQ

Main Ideas of the Enlightenment
The enlightenment is one of the most significant paradigm shifts in history. Paradigm shifts are
significant changes that change history. What was the main ideas of the enlightenment thinkers? The
central idea of freedom in the enlightenment included freedom in government, religion, economy, and
gender equality. These all share the same logical reasoning and background to support themselves.
To begin with, the belief in free government used logical to support it. ... the people are at liberty
to provide for themselves by erecting a new legislative, for the society can never, lose the native
and original right it has to preserve itself, (Locke 1). During the enlightenment people did not have the
rights that are used today. Locke used logical thinking to discover and support his statement. There is
nothing more evident, than that creatures of the same species and rank should also be equal one
amongst another (Locke 1). This quote shows that all people should be considered equal.
In a similar manner, Voltaire wrote about religious equality using logical evidence. There the
Jews, the Mahometan, and the Christian transact together as tho they all professed the same religion
(Voltaire 1). ...they all live happy and in peace (Voltaire 1). These quotes support each other by the
acceptance of opposite religions. This supports the idea of freedom in religion by giving logical reasons.
To continue, Adam Smith started the belief in laissez faire. Without government interference the
obvious and simple system of natural liberty establishes itself of its own accord. Every Man is left
perfectly free (Smith 1). This shows people can use freedom to run their own business without
interference. With this it will bring up the economy. As every individual, therefore, endeavours as much
as he can both to employ his capital in support of industry (Smith 1).
The freedom of sexual equality was brought up by enlightenment philosopher Mary
Wollstonecraft. To render mankind more virtuous, and happier of course, both sexes must act from the
same principle (Wollstonecraft 1). Wollstonecraft believes that men and women should be view as
equal human beings not as lower ranking. Both men and women are capable of being smart and
successful with what they do which is explained by wollstonecraft.
Given these points, the main idea of the enlightenment in freedom in government, religion,
economy, and gender equality all use logic and reason to support themselves. Although this may be true,
these ideas still need to be refined and changed just a little bit to create what we have today.