Welcome to another edition of a Short Man's Short Introductions to U.S. History. Each time we do this, we provide a brief overview of a topic in American history. At the end of each podcast, we ask a couple of discussion questions, which you are expected to discuss in the next class period. This time around, the Enlightenment!
What does the television show LOST have to do with the founding of the United States of America? Let's find out.
A series of scientific and intellectual discoveries in Europe during the 1600s had created a remarkable effect on the way some settlers in America thought about things. Many people began to develop the notion that reason and scientific inquiry could lead to progress and knowledge. Makes sense, right? How could anybody ever believe different? Well, if you remember, the Puritans were firm believers in the idea of providence—that whatever happened to you, whether it be wild success and riches or an increase in knowledge, it was because God willed it. In other words, Enlightenment thinkers began to believe that answers would come from research and not revelation.
So, who were some of these Enlightenment thinkers? Well, one of them was a guy by the name of John Locke. Aha! That crazy bald guy on LOST with the beatifically creepy smile and a thing for knives? Well, not quite, although it would be interesting to look for similarities between the two Lockes.
Enlightenment John Locke was a firm believer in the power of education. He contended that people have the ability to change if they are given the opportunity to be educated. He also believed in the revolutionary theory of government. If a government is doing a bad job, and stops protecting rights or loses the consent of the people, then it should be overthrown. This kind of thinking helped lead to the revolutionary actions taken by the Founding Fathers, such as Benjamin Franklin—another prominent Enlightenment thinker.
So, what do you think of John Locke's theory? Do you agree in the overthrow of a government or authority that no longer has your consent? Why or why not? Do you see any potential problems with that? Or do you prefer your Lockes to walk around with a big knife, eating mangoes?
Please be prepared to discuss your answers to these questions the next time we meet. Music for this podcast was provided by freeplaymusic.com, with vocal talents provided by your very own Mr. Vance.
