11/18/25

Historical Context of Ireland

  • Secondary Independence of Ireland (1922)

    • Southern part becomes a free republic.

    • Northern part remains part of Great Britain.

  • Terminology

    • Reference to England before 1707.

    • Reference to Great Britain after 1707.

The Enlightenment

  • Timeframe

    • Spans from 1700 to 1799.

  • Key Feature: Scientific method emphasizing facts.

    • Encourages rational criticism applicable to all subjects, including religion and politics.

  • Generational Impact

    • Two generations of philosophes: early and later enlightenment thinkers.

    • Later philosophers become more radical in their approaches.

Philosophers of the Enlightenment

  • The French Giants: Three key figures from different social classes.

    • Montesquieu (Charles de Secondat)

    • Noble, born 1689, died 1755.

    • Major work: The Spirit of the Laws (1748)

      • Examines government and society, seeks to find natural laws for social/political arenas.

      • Influences Founding Fathers (e.g., Thomas Jefferson) in shaping the U.S. government.

      • Discusses three government forms:

      1. Republic (best for small countries)

        • Citizens elect their leaders.

      2. Limited Monarchy (best for medium-sized countries)

        • Example: England.

        • Separation of powers beneficial.

      3. Despotism or Dictatorship (best for large empires)

        • Centralized power to efficiently manage large populations.

      • Advocates for separation of powers:

      • Executive: King or Queen (transition to Prime Minister).

      • Legislative: Parliament (bicameral: House of Lords, House of Commons).

      • Judicial: High Court.

    • Voltaire (Francois-Marie Arouet)

    • Middle-class background, born 1694, died 1778.

    • Notable Works: Candide and various essays.

      • Prominent critic of organized religion, highlights corruption within.

      • Declares religious fanaticism and superstition as immoral.

      • Introduces Deism: Believes in a rational god but rejects traditional religious dogmas.

      • God likened to a clockmaker (Newton's world clock concept).

      • Example: Both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson identified as deists.

    • Denis Diderot

    • Youngest of the three, born 1713, died 1784.

    • Lacks noble lineage, raised lower middle class.

    • Major work: Encyclopedia (1772)

      • A multi-volume work aiming to change discourse in society with contributions from various philosophers.

      • It served as a tool against religious intolerance and pro-social reforms, selling across Europe and influencing a wide readership.