AP GOV: Enlightenment Thinkers

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher known for his social contract theory outlined in his work "Leviathan," where he argued for a strong central authority to prevent chaos and maintain order in society; people are born selfish and need strict rule

John Locke

In his work "Two Treatises of Government," he argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments must protect these rights; consent to be governed; right to revolt

Rousseau

He was a French philosopher who argued that humans are naturally good but are corrupted by society. In his work "The Social Contract," he emphasized the importance of democracy and the general will of the people.

Montesquieu

He was a French political philosopher best known for his theory of separation of powers in government. he advocated for different branches of government to prevent any one from gaining too much power.