Rebirth of Hellenism during the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was the highlight of the eighteenth century because it brought about dramatic change that was a rebirth of the classical ideas of Greece and Rome. This philosophical, cultural, and social movement spread through England, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe as a result of the unsuccessful ways of feudalism. It resulted in an intelligent and more aware society due to the revival of government, philosophy, and morals.

To begin with, the Enlightenment applied scientific methods to the study of human society just as prominent philosophers of Ancient Greece and Rome. The Enlightenment period began with John Locke, an English philosopher who held a new concept of God called Deism, or the need for proof. He argued that people could learn everything they needed to know through their senses and reason, so faith was irrelevant. Locke published a book titled, Two Treatises of Civil Government which explains his theory of natural rights and natural law for all individuals. He then uses this to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate civil governments, and to argue for the rationality of a revolt against tyrannical governments. This was an idea of a social contract. This means that in order for one to be under the authority of a government, it must protect their rights to life, liberty, and property. If a government failed to protect these rights, then the people had the right to have a new government. This is the idea of popular sovereignty. Additionally, Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher argued that people act according to their own interest, but promote economic advancements while in competition. This meant that government should not regulate to favor individuals. It was decided that rational laws co...

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...gnant ways of the feudal system and the Middle Ages. During feudal times, the Catholic church was in charge of the government and no one was allowed to question their authority. The monarchy and aristocracy only focused on obtaining more land, palaces, and material wealth. However, during the Enlightenment, the bourgeoisie class, or business people took control of the government to create capitalism that actually advanced the country. This was a major twist in the ruling class and resulted in pre-existant forms of government with checks and balances. Citizens were allowed to express themselves with freedom of speech which created many books and journals to help societies become aware. Although their was rational thinking and awareness of human rights in both the classical and Enlightenment periods, slavery was never completely abolished which is also a similarity.