Ap Euro Philosophers

Hobbes — harsh

believed humans are selfish and violent; supported a strong absolute ruler to keep order (Leviathan)

Locke — locks rights

people have natural rights life liberty property; government must protect them or people may revolt

Rousseau — rule of the people

people are naturally good; government should follow the general will (The Social Contract)

Voltaire — voice

defended freedom of speech and freedom of religion; criticized intolerance and arbitrary rule

Diderot — dictionary

edited the Encyclopédie to spread knowledge reason and science

Montesquieu — many branches

argued for separation of powers to prevent tyranny (Spirit of the Laws)

Beccaria — bars prison

called for legal reform; no torture fair trials proportional punishment

Mary Wollstonecraft — women

early feminist; argued women deserve education and equal civic respect (Vindication of the Rights of Woman)