Renaissance & Thinkers

These flashcards cover key concepts, figures, and ideas from the lecture on the Renaissance and influential thinkers in political theory.

What invention increased the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance?

The printing press.

What philosophical question was posed regarding taxation during the opposition to absolutism?

Was it reasonable for the poor to pay higher taxes than the rich?

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature?

Humans are naturally selfish and will only act in their own self-interest.

What does Hobbes suggest is necessary for a stable society?

A strong government backed by force.

What is the concept of 'tabula rasa' associated with?

John Locke's view that the human mind is a 'blank slate' at birth.

What rights did John Locke believe all individuals possess?

Natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

What is Montesquieu known for advocating?

The separation of powers.

What did Jean Jacques Rousseau believe about government power?

Governments hold power only by the permission of the people and should act in their best interests.

What did Adam Smith argue about individual freedoms?

That they lead to greater contributions to the collective society.

What was Voltaire's famous quote about freedom of speech?

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

What famous concept, elaborated by Jean Jacques Rousseau, describes an agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, sacrificing some individual freedoms for state protection?

The Social Contract.

What economic doctrine, closely associated with Adam Smith, posits that governments should interfere as little as possible in the economy?

Laissez-faire economics.

Besides championing freedom of speech, what other significant freedom did Voltaire vigorously defend?

Religious tolerance.

What form of government did Voltaire often favor, believing that an educated monarch could best protect individual rights and freedoms?

Enlightened absolutism or a constitutional monarchy

What concept did Adam Smith introduce to describe how individual pursuit of self-interest in a free market can unintentionally lead to overall societal benefit?

The "Invisible Hand."

What concept did Rousseau believe represented the collective good and moral will of the people, which the government should follow?

The General Will.

According to Montesquieu, what was the purpose of separating government powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches?

To prevent tyranny and ensure checks and balances