Enlightenment Thinkers

Locke

English philosopher

humans aren't born good/evil and experiences determine character

Wrote Two Treatises on Government

People are entitled to natural rights of life, liberty, and property

social contract

the role of the government is to protect life, liberty, property (natural rights)

If government doesn't protect them, individuals should overthrow the government

Hobbes

English philosopher

believed that people are naturally

aggressive and that conflict is normal; Wrote Leviathan

social contract

Powerful ruler > rights of individuals

people should give up natural rights by submitting to a strong ruler (that will prevent war and violence);

Montesquieu

French "philosophe";

Real name: Charles-Louis de Secondat; Wrote The Spirit of the Laws

believed in separation of power and checks and balances;

Three branches of government: legislative, executive, judicial

Voltaire

French "philosophe";

Real name: Francois Marie Arouet;

Wrote plays, poems, and essays; Used humor; Wrote Candide

Supported religious tolerance, free speech, and separation of church and state

Rousseau

French "philosophe";

Wrote The Social Contract;

Children should spend time in nature

Believed that people should be able to vote on laws;

Supported democracy