Humanities Annotated Bibliography and the Final Paper

Introduction – In the 17th Century in England the Enlightenment movement began to become an influence all over the world. During the Enlightenment era scientific and intellectual revolutions evolved. The thinkers of this era believed that change and reason were both possible and desirable for the human liberty. Philosophes provided ideas that viewed the social and political. Through the different philosophies and intellectuals of the era, it grows evident that individuals addressed religious and social issues by criticizing the current nature of the state, suggesting more effective methods, and by applauding certain other figures worthy of admiration.

I. Philosophies

A. John Locke

1. Man’s Nature

2. Environment

3. Human Knowledge

B. Baron de Montesquieu

1. Spirit of Laws

2. British Gov.

3. Separation of powers

4. Checks and balances

C. Rousseau

1. Father of Romanticism

2. General Will

3. Rejected science and reason

4. The social contract

II. Religion

A. Theologians

1. Reform faith

2. Religious controversy

3. Warfare

B. Protestant Reformation

1. New Science

2. New Philosophy

3. Protestant Reformers

C. Renaissance Humanists

1. Catholics

2. Thinkers

3. God-Worshippers

III. Social

A. Habermas

1. Common Concern

2. Bourgeois Public Sphere

3. The rise of capitalism

B. Socio-Economic control

1. Hierarchical

2. Monarchy/Nobility

3. Catholic Church

C. Economic System 1. Economic structure change

2. Hegemonies

3. Monarchies weaken

Conclusion – The Enlightenment impacted art, religion, and politics with also identifying the ideas of John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes. Enlightenment represents beliefs changing over time but the values remain the same.

Sharamane Jackson