Monday, March 5, 2012

Political Philosophy of the Enlightenment



Objectives
  • Analyze the ideas of Hobbes and Locke
  • Evaluate Voltaire's argument for religious toleration
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #17: List two ideas that were encouraged by the Scientific Revolution & the Enlightenment.
  • Hand out review sheet - Test on Wednesday
  • Finish Catherine the Great
  • Notes:  Political Philosophy of the Enlightenment
    • The State of Nature
    • Hobbes / Locke
    • Montesquieu
    • Voltaire
  • Primary Source: Voltaire's Treatise on Toleration
    • Introduction
      • Your book says Voltaire was a Deist.  Why does the introduction of this piece suggest that might not be accurate?
    • Usefulness of Religion 
      • In his first two paragraphs he offers a defense of religion.  Summarize that defense.
      • Assume, for a moment, that Voltaire didn't actually believe this defense of false religion.  Why might he have written it anyway?
      • What damage has superstition done "in history" according to Voltaire?
      • He suggests France has been Enlightened.  During his time, what beliefs does he cite as common knowledge among the educated?  (page 2)
      • What would Voltaire call government officials who would try and restrict their scientific beliefs based on religious values? (page 2)
      • What is the most dangerous superstition, according to Voltaire? (page 2)
    • Virtue is Better Than Science
      • Define the word "dogma"
      • Why does Voltaire oppose dogmas?
      • Voltaire argues for freedom of belief at the end of this section.  How does he explain that the government cannot restrict it?
    • On Universal Tolerance
      • How should we regard all men?
  • Class Discussion
    • Evaluate Voltaire's Defense of Religion
    • Why does Voltaire think it's crazy to try and coerce belief? 
    • Why is dogma dangerous?
    • Explain Voltaire's "Story of Religion"