Examine and analyze the philosophical and ideological understanding of an Enlightenment thinker and discuss the impact their ideas had on both their own contemporaneous societies and on the future of western civilization.

 

Part I Introduction. Provide the reader with a brief overview of your particular thinker, their place in the Enlightenment movement, their basic ideas and your overall argument about the impact of their philosophical ideology in history.

 

Part II Examine the thinker. Tell the reader who the thinker is. Provide a brief introduction and biography as well as an analysis of their philosophical ideologies. Consider the historical context of the time, their nationality, their education level, their religious views, and their specific influences. Be sure to consider their views on such important concepts as slavery, colonization, womens rights, governance, and religion.

 

Part III Examine the thinkers contribution to the Enlightenment. Provide the reader with specific examples of the impact of the thinkers concepts on the people of their day and the societies in which they lived. Consider their publications, public/political roles, philosophical ideas, and their influence on specific events.

 

Part IV Examine the lasting impact of the thinker and his/her ideas. Provide the reader with an analysis of the sociological and political impacts of the thinkers philosophical treatises. Consider how the thinkers ideas have influenced later individuals, societies, governments, and ideologies. For example, are the ideas outmoded or do they still inform a modern understanding of society?

 

Part V Conclusion. Summarize your overall assertion regarding your thinker and his/her contributions and legacy.