Final answer:
Enlightenment thinkers supported the idea of wealth creation through productive activity, with Adam Smith being a key proponent of laissez-faire economics. They influenced modern economic theory and contributed to broader social and political theories, although initially not everyone was included in their vision of rights and freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Economic Ideas of Enlightenment Thinkers
The Enlightenment thinkers supported various economic ideas which helped shape modern economic thought.Rejecting the mercantilist notion that wealth was finite, they believed that wealth creation was possible through productive activity, described as the production of commodities that hold value in the market. This transformed the concept of wealth significantly.
Among these thinkers was Adam Smith, a notable Scottish economist who advocated for economic liberalism through the principle of laissez-faire. His ideas, particularly his belief in an invisible hand guiding self-interested individuals in a free market, laid the groundwork for capitalism. Smith's philosophy suggested that minimal government intervention led to greater overall prosperity.
Enlightenment economics also tied into broader social and political theories, including the social contract theory proposed by John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This theory emphasized the protection of individual freedoms, and with thinkers like Rousseau questioning the divine right of kings, a pathway was cleared for the democratization of political power.
It is also important to note that while Enlightenment ideals greatly influenced emerging notions of democracy and economic theory, they were not originally intended to be universal, often excluding women, people of color, and the working masses. Over time, however, these ideas have evolved and have been instrumental in advocating for broader rights and equality in various societies.