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Western Civ Philosophes Project - Essay #1

How did the ideas of the Philosophes alter society’s values?

The Philosophes during the Enlightenment changed the moral values of society greatly. They increased the power and respect of women. They increased doubt in authoritarian sources and allowed society to petition the king for changes. The Philosophes also promoted tolerance and equality for all. They let people strive for perfection and happiness.

Some Philosophes wanted to increase the power and rights of women. Women were no longer just objects of men in some of the Philosophes’ minds. Women became equal with men in making decisions in the family. Also, they could now hold all of the jobs that were previously reserved for men only, for example doctors and lawyers.

The Philosophes also increased the amount of doubt in society. Scientists could now probe farther into science and they began to doubt the teachings of Aristotle and other ancient scientists. People also began to doubt the Catholic Church’s teachings, and learned that the Church was not always correct. This increase in doubt eroded the church’s power letting other ideas and religions grow.

People were now able to petition the king and ask him to make their lives better. People did not need to fear being put into jail for speaking bad things about the government or asking for a better life. People could now ask the king to improve their lives and livelihoods without fear of punishment.

Philosophes, especially Voltaire, promoted the tolerance and equality of all people, religions, and races. The Catholic Church persecuted people of other religions. Many Philosophes wanted religious freedom, which let people believe in whatever and whoever they wanted without fear. Philosophes also wanted all races to be treated equally. This vision was written in the United States Constitution, but was unattainable in America till women were able to vote and segregation was over. The Philosophes paved the foundation for these changes in our values.

Philosophes started convincing people that society could be made better and happiness could be attained. Before the Philosophes, people believe that their lives were miserable and that nothing could be done about that fact. The Philosophes changed this and people tried to be happier. The Philosophes changed many of the moral values of society. They let women do jobs that men formally did. They increased doubt in ideas and doubt in authoritarian sources like the church and the king. They let people improve their lives and strive for perfection and happiness. They believed in tolerance and equality for all. The Philosophes changed the moral values of society greatly.