Crash Course European History: Enlightenment
Introduction
- Lecturer: John Green
- Focus on transitions in thought & society during the Enlightenment
- Shift in understanding natural events and social orders
Key Events & Changes
Earthquakes & Shifts in Perception
- 1648 Istanbul Earthquake: Linked to Sultan's death
- 1755 Lisbon Earthquake: Thousands died, including from a tsunami
- Contrasting Theological Views: Divine punishment vs. critical skepticism
- Voltaire's Poem: Criticized idea of divine causality
Enlightenment Overview
- Enlightenment: Challenged old ideas, applied reason
- Topics beyond high theories: Social classes, economics, governance
Societal Changes & New Commodities
- Introduction of commodities like coffee, tea, chocolate, tobacco
- Example: Tea mistaken as pie-filling in England
- Effects: Increased 'sobriety' and 'civility', new foods (potatoes, corn)
- Result: More stable food supply, reduced risk of starvation
- Observations from Travelers
- Noted less quarrelsome societies in Asia, varied social hierarchies
Key Enlightenment Figures & Ideas
Montesquieu
- Persian Letters (1721): Criticized societal norms by contrasting French & Eastern customs
Voltaire
- Critiqued aristocrats, corrupt rulers
- Candide (1759): Argued against the idea that we live in the 'best of all possible worlds'
- Emphasized honesty, simple living
Rousseau
- Emile (1762): Advocated for natural upbringing, practical education
- Middle-class values: Hard work, domesticity for women
Salons
- Venues for intellectual discussion hosted by wealthy women
- Influenced fashion and cultural trends
Diderot
- Encyclopedie: Promoted reasoned debate, social/political reform
- Highlighted technical aspects (e.g., mining machinery)
David Hume
- Advocated reason above religion
- Deism: God does not interfere in daily affairs, promoted by several US founding fathers
Activism & Reform
- Voltaire's outrage at Jean Calas's torture
- Example of 18th-century torture's brutality
Anti-Slavery Movements
- Enlightenment ideas inspired anti-slavery sentiment in Europe and colonies
- Olaudah Equiano: Highlighted slavery's brutality
Economic Thoughts: Adam Smith
- Critique of mercantilism, promotion of free trade & manufacturing
- Wealth of Nations (1776): Argued for laissez-faire economy
- Concern for societal well-being despite free market advocacy
Political Philosophy: Rousseau
- The Social Contract: Formation of states by collective consent
- Importance of obedience to the state, potential seeding ground for dictatorships
Kant
- Individual Reason: Encouraged personal rational thought
- Emphasized Enlightenment’s value of the individual mind
Jewish Enlightenment Influences
- Jewish women embraced Enlightenment ideals, forming salons
- Moses Mendelssohn: Optimism for Jewish future due to reason and tolerance
Enlightenment’s Legacy
- Rationality and reason posed challenges to old beliefs
- Inspired real-world reforms and provided secular explanations for societal issues
- Nevertheless, the use of pseudo-scientific 'reason' justified many injustices (racism, sexism)
- Pivotal in transforming ideologies, though imperfect worlds remained
Conclusion
- Enlightenment as a transformative period
- Encourages imagining better worlds through reason
- Reflects ongoing imperfections in society
Key Quotes
- Voltaire: “This is the necessary effect of the eternal laws Freely chosen by God?”
- Rousseau: “Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.”
- Kant: “Dare to Know”
Next Session: Continuation of societal transformations during Enlightenment.