This course investigates the thought of the Enlightenment and its enduring impact on modern thought and society. The course begins by studying the use of humor to expose political, religious, and societal flaws through the works of Molière, Jonathan Swift, and Voltaire. Students uncover the strategies these writers employed to critique their contemporary worlds. Next students trace the American journey from revolutionary ideals to the establishment of a constitutional framework that embodies principles of democracy, rights protection, and the balance of powers. Through an examination of the Constitutional Convention, the Federalist and Antifederalist debates, and the ratification process, students gain insight into the challenges of creating a unified national governance structure that aligns with the values of representation and liberty. This segment of the course offers a deep dive into the documents and debates that shaped the United States, enhancing students' understanding of constitutional law and political theory. Building on this foundation, students turn to the works of Adam Smith, Edmund Burke, and Alexis de Tocqueville, each of whom addressed the seismic shifts in economic, political, and social structures through the lens of custom, institution, and practice. Finally, students read from the philosophical works at the center of the Enlightenment, particularly those of David Hume and Immanuel Kant. Through critical engagement with these texts, students develop an appreciation for the depth and breadth of Enlightenment philosophy and its contribution to the development of modern philosophical and scientific inquiry.