Age Of Enlightenment DBQ

The late 17th and 18th centuries, also known as the ‘Age of Enlightenment’ or the ‘Age of reason’, was a time period when educated intellectuals came together to discuss political, religious, economic, and social questions. These men were known as philosophes, or philosophers, whose discussions helped shape the modern capitalistic and democratic world we live in today. Philosophers back then discussed on issues regarding the government and individual freedom. For example, John Locke argued about the government taking many of the important rights of a citizen, such as the right to overthrow a government if it became corrupt. Voltaire discussed on issues regarding freedom of religion, whereas other philosophers like Adam Smith focused on the

Adam Smith was a philosopher who believed that no government interferences in the economy would result in a much more stable and prosperous economic system. “[Without government interference] the obvious and simple system of natural liberty establishes itself of its own accord” (document C). This shows how one’s self interest of gain drives the economy and no government interference should be made. Smith also talks about a happy and unexpected result when people pursue their own economic gain which basically supports the economy. “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more [effectively] than when he really intends to promote it” (document C). This shows how personal interest and self gain end up driving the economy as more goods are bought and sold. Mary Wollstonecraft was another philosopher that shared common ideas with Smith. She believed that women should get equal rights and education as men. “... women must be allowed to found their virtue on knowledge, which is scarcely possible unless they be educated by the same pursuits [studies] as men” (document D). Wollstonecraft implies that equal education can lead to equal rights. This again goes back to individual freedom and decision making. “... reason and experience convince me that the only method of leading women to fulfill their peculiar duties is to free them from all restraint by allowing them to participate in the inherent rights of mankind” (document D). This shows how equal opportunities with both sexes can lead to success. It would just require women to have their individual freedom and rights. Both Smith and Wollstonecraft, Enlightenment philosophers, argued about individual freedom and person decision making without outer influences like the government or