Montesquieu and Rousseau: Political Philosophy Insights

Montesquieu

French philosopher (1689-1755) on law and government.

Human Law (M)

Law grounded in universal principles governing actions.

Natural Law (M)

Justice derived from law creation, not inherent.

State of Nature (M)

Original human condition before societal development.

Political Law (M)

Regulations governing relationships between rulers and ruled.

Civil Law (M)

Laws governing interactions between citizens.

Law of Nations (M)

Regulations between different societies or states.

Democratic Republic (M)

Government by elected representatives with public voting. Spirit is virtue or patriotism.

Political Liberty (M)

Right to act within law's permissions.

Separation of Powers (M)

Division of government into legislative, executive, judicial.

Judicial System (M)

System ensuring laws are applied fairly by peers.

Legislative System (M)

Body responsible for creating laws, elected by people.

Executive Power (M)

Authority to enforce laws, often held by a monarch.

Four Kinds of Crimes (M)

Crimes against religion, morals, tranquility, and security.

Comparison of Regimes (M)

England emphasizes individualism; Rome values self-sacrifice.

Role of Climate (M)

Influences human behavior and societal development.

Hot Climates (M)

Associated with sensitivity, sensuality, and timidity.

Cold Climates (M)

Foster self-control and industriousness in people.

Earliest Human Society (M)

Families evolved from promiscuity, ruled by patriarchy.

Patriarchy (M)

System where males hold primary power in society.

Avarice and Ambition (M)

Moral foundations of the English political system.

Religious Influence (M)

Priests played significant roles in early societies.

Natural Rights (M)

Rights and duties of nature producing good effects.

Legitimate Slavery (M)

Only mild contractual slavery is acceptable.

Just War (M)

Only self-defense qualifies as a just war.

Commerce (M)

Exchange of wealth, arts, and philosophy.

Agriculture's Role (M)

Leads to money, inequality, and societal evolution.

Progress Mechanism (M)

Driven by needs and knowledge working together.

Spirit of Nations (M)

Formed by climate, religion, laws, and mores.

Moral Vices (M)

Lead to political virtues and societal progress.

Avarice's Role (M)

Essential for knowledge pursuit and commerce.

Effective Legislator (M)

Conceals ethics, uses passions wisely.

Self-Preservation (M)

Key passion understood by the average man.

Political Liberty (M)

Average man's highest aspiration, not excellence.

Christianity's Value (M)

Greatest worldly good, but conflicts with politics.

Church Critique (M)

Opposes commerce and promotes civil disobedience.

Rousseau's Quote

"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."

Rousseau's Background

Radical revolutionary, viewed regimes as illegitimate.

Private Ambition (R)

Basis of human relationships, fosters selfishness.

Ancient Societies (R)

Admired for small, equal, and virtuous governance.

Moral Education (R)

Necessary for creating a free and equal society.

Noble Savage (R)

Embodies simplicity, equality, and lack of greed.

Two Passions (R)

Self-preservation and pity define noble savage.

Distinction from Beasts (R)

Man possess freedom of the will and potential for perfectibility.

Freedom of the will (R)

Ability to choose actions without external constraints.

Potential for perfectability (R)

Capability for continuous improvement and progress.

Movement to Society (R)

Transition initiated by unforeseen accidents and cooperation.

Private Property (R)

Not natural; origin of social inequality and conflict.

Civil Society (R)

Emerges from the recognition of private property.

The Social Contract (R)

Agreement forming an artificial person with collective will.

General Will (R)

Collective will representing the common good of society.

Particular Will (R)

Individual self-interest conflicting with the general will.

Moral Education (R)

Training to align individual actions with the general will.

Punishment (R)

Consequences to enforce adherence to the general will.

Sovereign (R)

Authority derived from the social contract's collective will.

Legislator (R)

Individual who establishes order through persuasion and guidance.

Representative Government (R)

System potentially weakening the general will through self-interest.

Majority Vote (R)

Decision-making process reflecting the general will of society.

Character of the Laws (R)

Laws must serve societal needs, not individual interests.

Scope of Law (R)

Laws can encompass all aspects of society, including religion.

Anarchy (R)

State resulting from the collapse of the general will.

Tyranny (R)

Oppressive rule arising when private will dominates.

Inequality (R)

Social disparity that Rousseau's contract fails to address.

Absolute Arbitrary Power (R)

Dangerous authority lacking checks and balances.

Politics as Mixed Blessing (R)

Politics can improve lives despite inherent societal flaws.