Enlightenment Thinkers

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher who argued that all humans are naturally wicked. Believed that an absolute monarchy is the best form of government. Thought governments were created to protect people from their own selfishness.

Hobbes

Leviathan

John Locke

English philosopher who believed that people have the ability to reason and make good decisions. Thought governments should be formed only with the approval of the people they are governing. Argued that governments should be established to protect everyone's natural rights.

Locke

Two Treatises of Government

Francois Marie Arout (Voltaire)

fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech; mocked laws and customs of France; admired English government

Baron de Montesquieu

French political thinker who believed that a monarchy with limited powers makes a country stable and secure. Established the idea of "separation of powers"

Montesquieu

On the Spirit of Laws

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Swiss philosopher who believed that society had corrupted the natural goodness in people. Argued that only through direct democracy can people's freedom be protected. Believed that women's education should be on becoming a better wife and mother.

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria

Italian philosophe who was against abuses of justice; wanted capital punishment to be abolished; believed governments should seek the greatest good for the greatest number of people; believed laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes

Mary Astell

addressed the lack of educational opportunities for women; used Enlightenment arguments about the government to criticize unequal relationships between men and women in marriage

Mary Wollstonecraft

English writer who argued for equal rights for women. Believed women should have equal rights in education, business, and government. In her book, she argued that women should participate equally with men both in the home and in civic life.

Wollstonecraft

A Vindication of the Rights of Women

Emilia du Châtelet

female aristocrat who trained as a mathematician and physicist

Aristotle

Greek philosopher who believed that humans reach their highest potential in organized society and government. Favored society where all citizens are educated and participate in government, but was unrealistic. Favored the rule of a king through guidance of philosophers.

Queen Elizabeth I

Powerful monarch who shared some political power with Parliament. Believed in Divine Right. Thought that each person is born into his or her proper place in society. Viewed her role as mother of the people.

King Louis XIV

Absolute monarch; ruler with unlimited power. Believed in Divine Right. Was the most powerful ruler of his time. Believed that revolts were a crime.

Plato

Greek philosopher who argued that talent determines each person's proper role in society. Feared democracy as mob rule and believed that ideal government would be rule by philosopher-king.

Marie-Thérèse Geoffrin

Sponsored a "salon" in France where philosophes would gather and discuss controversial issues; most influential salon hostess

Denis Diderot

financed by Marie-Thérèse Geoffrin on his project, The Encyclopedia, which angered the French government and Catholic Church

Samuel Richardson

wrote the book "Pamela," which was considered the first true english novel; helped develop features of the modern novel

Henry Fielding

wrote the book "Tom Jones"; helped develop features of the modern novel

Daniel Defoe

wrote "Robinson Crusoe"

Fredrick II of Prussia

king of Prussia who granted religious freedom, reduced censorship, and improved education; abolished use of torture; made clear his goal was to serve and strengthen his country

Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II of Austria

ruler of Austria who introduced freedom of press, supported freedom of worship, and abolished serfdom (all of which was undone after his death)

Catherine the Great of Russia

great monarch of Russia who exchanged letters with Voltaire and wanted to reform Russian laws; gave nobles absolute power over serfs after their uprising; none of her goals were accomplished