Relacionar Columnas The Old RegimenVersión en línea The Enlightenment por Gehistart Artgeo 1 These private associations of enlightened thinkers met to discuss a variety of subjects. 2 They therefore criticised some aspects of absolutism, the privileges of the nobility and the clergy, and the strict rules of guilds 3 Knowledge 4 Enlightened despotism monarchs 5 He defended freedom and equality. He believed society corrupts human beings, who are naturally good. Sovereignty should reside in the people. For the benefit of the community, the people allow a higher authority to govern in their name 6 Natural rights 7 It should be applied to all areas of life 8 Education and the experimental science 9 He defended the separation of powers: legislative power should be held by a representative Parliament, executive power by the King, and judicial power by independent judges 10 He initiated a wide-ranging reform programme that made him Spain's greatest enlightened despo 11 He defended a strong monarchy with respect for civil liberties. He believed strongly in freedom of expression and rejected fanaticism and intolerance 12 Their reforms attempted to modernise Spain (new land was farmed in Sierra Morena, the privileges of the Mesta were reduced) Reason They founded new educational institutions, modernised their bureaucracies and expropriated unused lands Economic Societies of Friends of the Country Enlightenment thinkers It was the key to happiness Belonged to all human being They were considered vital for ongoing human progress.
