The Enlightenment

Thomas Hobbes

believed all humans are selfish, wicked, and chaotic.

Social contract theory

exchange power to a ruler in order to preserve order

John Locke

believed people were naturally good, purpose of government was to protect people’s rights

Natural Rights

Life, Liberty, and Property

Voltaire

believed in free speech and religion, separation of church and state

Montesquieu

separation of powers, checks and balances

Rousseau

social contract, individual freedom

Mary Wollstonecraft

spoke for women’s rights and equality, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, said women are taught to be less than men

direct democracy

everybody votes on everything

individualism

people making decisions for themselves