Contextualization

Introduction

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that took place in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries. It promoted reason, logic, and scientific observation as the basis for human understanding and challenged traditional authority and social hierarchies.

Enlightenment thinkers, like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, championed ideals of individual freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Their ideas played a significant role in shaping modern Western societies and laid the groundwork for many of the principles enshrined in the United States' Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

However, the Enlightenment's focus on individual rights and freedoms was not universally applied. This contradiction is particularly evident in the institution of slavery, which persisted and even expanded during the Enlightenment era.

Importance

Understanding the Enlightenment and its complex relationship with slavery is crucial to understanding the development of modern society and the persistence of social injustice. The Enlightenment's principles of freedom and equality were a powerful force for social change, inspiring both the American and French revolutions. Yet, these same principles were often applied selectively, excluding certain groups from their benefits.

The legacy of this contradiction is still felt today, as societies grapple with the ongoing effects of historical injustices like slavery. By examining the Enlightenment's role in both the promotion and perpetuation of slavery, we can gain a deeper understanding of the roots of these injustices and work towards a more equitable future.

Resources

To support your understanding and exploration of this topic, you may consult the following resources:

1. "The Enlightenment and the Birth of Social Science" by Thomas Winterbottom
2. "The Enlightenment and the Origins of European Australia" by John Gascoigne
3. "The Problem of Slavery in the Age of Revolution, 1770-1823" by David Brion Davis
4. "The Enlightenment: A Brief History" by Margaret C. Jacobs
5. "The Problem of Slavery in Western Culture" by David Brion Davis
6. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Enlightenment
7. Khan Academy - The Enlightenment

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

The Enlightenment-Enslavement Dilemma: An Interactive Debate

Objective of the Project:

To examine the paradoxical relationship between the ideals of the Enlightenment and the institution of slavery through a simulated debate. Students will adopt the roles of Enlightenment philosophers and pro-slavery intellectuals, engaging in a rigorous debate about the compatibility of slavery with the principles of reason, freedom, and equality.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Students will be divided into groups of 3-5 and each group will be assigned a specific Enlightenment philosopher (e.g., Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu) or a pro-slavery intellectual (e.g., Thomas Jefferson, George Fitzhugh). They will then research their assigned figure's views on slavery, paying particular attention to how these views align with or contradict their broader philosophical principles.

Based on their research, students will prepare arguments and counter-arguments for a class debate. The debate will focus on the central question: "Can Enlightenment ideals of reason, freedom, and equality coexist with the institution of slavery?"

Necessary Materials:

1. Research materials (books, internet access, library resources, etc.)
2. Paper and pens for note-taking
3. Presentation materials (PowerPoint, posters, etc.)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Formation of Groups and Assignment of Roles: The teacher will form groups and assign each group a specific Enlightenment philosopher or pro-slavery intellectual.

2. Research and Preparation: Each group will conduct research on their assigned figure's views on slavery. They will also research the broader ideals and principles associated with the Enlightenment and the pro-slavery movement.

3. Debate Preparation: Based on their research, each group will prepare arguments and counter-arguments for the debate. They should focus on the central question of whether the Enlightenment ideals can coexist with slavery.

4. Mock Debate: Each group will present a mock debate in front of the class. The debate should be structured and rigorous, with each side presenting their arguments and responding to the other side's points.

5. Class Discussion: After each debate, the class will engage in a discussion, offering their own insights and reflections on the arguments presented.

6. Written Report: Finally, each group will write a report detailing their findings, observations, and reflections. The report should be structured according to the following sections:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the Enlightenment and its relationship with slavery. State the objective of the project and the central question of the debate.

   • Development: Detail the theory behind the Enlightenment and its principles. Discuss the specific views of the assigned figure on slavery and how they align or contradict the broader principles of the Enlightenment. Describe the preparation for the debate, including the arguments and counter-arguments identified. Finally, detail the conduct and outcomes of the debate and class discussion.

   • Conclusion: Reflect on the central question of the debate and the insights gained from the project.

   • Bibliography: List the resources used for the research.

Project Deliverables:

1. A preliminary plan detailing the research methodology and debate structure.
2. A presentation of the mock debate.
3. A written report structured as explained above.

The project should be completed in one month, with each student expected to dedicate approximately 6 to 10 hours to the project. This includes time for research, debate preparation, the mock debate, class discussion, and report writing. The report should be submitted one week after the completion of the mock debates.