What is enlightened absolutism

The name "enlightened absolutism" was given to the policies pursued by a number of European monarchs in the mid-18th century, including Catherine II, occupying the throne in Russia at that time. The author of the theory of "enlightened absolutism" is Thomas Hobbes. Its essence was the transition from the old system to the new - from medieval to capitalist relations. The monarchs announced that now it is necessary to strive to create a "common good" within their state. Priority for this was declared the mind.

Fundamentals of "Enlightened Absolutism"

The 18th century is the century of "enlightenment" in all spheres of life: literature, art. The ideas of enlightenment left an imprint on state power. If earlier the concept of absolute state power was reduced exclusively to its practical orientation, that is, to the totality of the rights of state power, now absolutism was declared enlightened. This means that state power was recognized above everything else, but at the same time, concern was added for the welfare of the whole people. The monarch should have realized that he has not only rights and unlimited power in his hands, but also responsibilities to his people.

The ideas of enlightened absolutism were first expressed in literature. Writers and philosophers dreamed of fundamentally changing the existing political system, changing the lives of ordinary people for the better. Monarchs, realizing that change is coming and cannot be avoided, begin to draw closer to philosophers, absorb ideas expressed by them in their treatises. So, for example, Catherine II had close friendly correspondence with Voltaire and Didro.

Philosophers advocated that the state be subject to reason, that the peasants create better conditions for existence. In Russia, for example, the period of "enlightened absolutism" includes the development of education, the promotion of trade, reforms in the sphere of guild structures, and the modernization of the agrarian structure. However, the latter was carried out very carefully, only the first steps to this were taken.