Learn: The Enlightenment

Thomas Hobbes

Believed that people are born selfish and need a strong central authority like a king. Believed in a social contract where people gave up total freedom in exchange for order and safety.

John Locke

English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

Voltaire

(1694-1778) French philosopher. He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government. He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church.

Montesquieu

French political philosopher who advocated the separation of powers... executive and legislative and judicial

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

"Social Contract" he explained an ideal society where each community member would vote on issues and the majority would become the law and represent the general will

Marry Wollstonecraft

Argued that women are not naturally inferior to men; and that they are only in a state of inferiority because of discrimination in education

Denis Diderot

Philosopher who edited a book called the Encyclopedia which was banned by the French king and pope.

Adam Smith

Scottish economist who wrote the Wealth of Nations which influenced modern Capitalism.

Cesare Beccaria

Author of Of Crime and Punishment. He attacked both torture and death penalty. Believed in a speedy trial and that punishment should deter further crime.

The Enlightenment

A period in European history when reason (logic) was used to understand and improve society through government and culture.