Enlightenment/Age of Reason

Absolute Rule by Kings

Thomas Hobbes (Main)

Natural Rights

John Locke (Main)

Separation of Powers

Baron de Montesquieu (Main)

Religious Tolerance and Free Speech

Voltaire (Main)

The Rights of the Accused

Cesar Beccaria (Main)

Born in England 1588-1679

Thomas Hobbes (Info)

Born in England in 1632-1704

John Locke (Info)

Born in France 1689-1755

Baron de Montesquieu (Info)

Born in France in 1694-1778

Voltaire (Info)

Born in Milan, Italy in 1738-1794

Cesare Beccaria (Info)

Beliefs were affected by the English Civil War, where there was a power struggle between the king and the people. The king lost and chaos ensued when the people took over.

One of the first thinkers to apply tools of Scientific Revolution (based on observation/reason)

Thomas Hobbes (Intro)

Believed humans were naturally cruel, selfish, and greedy, which would lead to conflict and a desire for power (book: Leviathan)

Believed humans needed a king of absolute power to protect them of their own selfishness.

Thomas Hobbes (Beliefs)

Natural Rights: Life, Liberty, Property
Believed the government's job was the protect these natural rights, in exchange for the people's obedience. If they failed, the people could overthrow and create a new government.

Supported the Parliament's decision to pass a bill of rights (people>king, balances out)

John Locke (Beliefs)

Argued to divide the government into three parts: legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interpret laws)

He wanted to protect political liberty, and believed no one person should have too much power or else it'd lead to tyranny.

Baron de Montesquieu (Beliefs)

Believed that the government should stay separate from religion, as it would create religious tolerance (ex. the king shouldn't force their religion onto anyone for power) and allow people to speak their minds.

Valued free speech so much, he would willingly give up his life for his opponent to express himself fully.

Voltaire (Beliefs)

Pioneered in criminology, focused on the rights of the accused. He was upset at the practices of torture (thumbscrew, stretching body until bones broke) used, and the corrupted judges, secret trials, and usual death sentence.

Book: On Crimes and Punishment
He believed punishments shouldn't always be brutal and should fit the crime. The accused should have a fair, speedy trial (no torture). Advocated for public trials.

+ Right to remain silent

Cesare Beccaria (Beliefs)