Define specialization and, with an example, show how specialization and voluntary exchange benefit both buyers and sellers in the economy.

earlier philosophers whose work influenced the enlightenment included bacon, descartes, locke, and spinoza. the major figures of the enlightenment included beccaria, diderot, hume, kant, montesquieu, rousseau, adam smith, and voltaire. it spread the ideas of the enlightenment across europe and beyond.

the old way of life was represented by superstition, an angry god, and absolute submission to authority. the thinkers of the age of reason ushered in a new way of thinking. this new way championed the accomplishments of humankind. individuals did not have to accept despair. science and reason could bring happiness and progress. kings did not rule by divine right. they had an obligation to their subjects. europeans pondered the implications for nearly a century. americans put them into practice first.