The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment And Its Influence On Modern Democracy
The Enlightenment took place between the 17th and 18th centuries as a natural continuation of the intellectual and cultural developments of the renaissance. The period had a large impact on our current day democracy, influencing political systems and human rights. Enlightenment thinkers regularly frequented coffee houses, discussing politics, science and philosophy. These coffee houses became known as “penny universities” – a cup of coffee could be bought for a penny.
Humanism And Individualism
Individual rights and freedoms were a central theme to the movement, with enlightenment thinkers advocating for natural rights which would be protected and upheld by governments and law. One such influential philosopher was John Locke, who argued that every individual was entitled to their life, liberty and be able to possess their own property. Another philosopher, Voltaire (portrait above), defended the right for free speech
Before the enlightenment, laws tended to favour the higher classes such as the monarchy and aristocracy. Philosophers such as Montesquieu advocated for a justice system where the same legal standards applied to all, regardless of status, and that everyone should be entitled to equal legal protection.
Questioning Of Authority
Enlightenment thinkers also sought to challenge the idea of unchecked power that resided in authorities such as monarchies, who believed they were only accountable to god. Jean-Jacques Rousseau introduced the idea of popular sovereignty, a form of democratic governance that is created through the will of the people. Here, public members can choose their representatives through democratic practices such as elections.
Advocation was also made for society to be based more on logic and science and to move away from the influence of the church and religion. This led to a separation of religion from matters relating to political, social and educational institutions. Division of government responsibilities were also suggested by Baron de Montesquieu, who argued that a balanced government broken down into legislative, executive and judicial branches would prevent any individual from having too much authority.
Modern Democracy
The effects of the Enlightenment paved the way for modern democracy. The ideas fuelled political revolutions such as the American and French revolutions which sought to overthrow monarchs and establish liberal governments. The era saw an increase in universal education, with a focus on secular education such as the development of science, literature and philosophy and also influenced the rise of capitalist economies, through the emphasis on free markets and the decline of mercantilism.
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Gavin Crewe is a regular contributor of informative articles to Oxford Home Schooling.
