Enlightenment Thinkers

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher known for his social contract theory, he argued that in the state of nature, humans are in constant conflict and require a strong centralized authority to maintain order and prevent chaos (they require a a strong government, like an absolute monarchy)

• Changed idea from the fact that monarch’s rule is divinely ordained, to a belief that government is a social contract between the ruler and the ruled, legitimized by the consent of the governed.

John Locke

An English philosopher who contributed to social contract theory, but with an opposite perspective on human nature as Hobbes. He argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that government should protect these rights and that its authority is derived from the consent of the governed.

Francois Marie Arouet (Voltaire)

A French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his advocacy of civil liberties (fundamental freedoms), including freedom of religion, speech, and press. He was a critic of the Catholic Church and a proponent of separation of church and state.

• Most “influential” philosophe

• “I do not agree with a word you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.

Baron de Montesquieu

A French political philosopher known for his theory of the separation of powers in government. He argued that political liberty is best preserved when governmental powers are divided among different branches.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

A French philosopher known for his contributions to political philosophy (committed to individual freedom), particularly the concept of the social contract and the belief that man is born free but is everywhere in chains. He emphasized the importance of popular sovereignty and direct democracy.

• The people represent supreme power - a direct democracy

  • Idea was not taken by U.S.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An English writer and advocate for women's rights, she is best known for her work "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," where she argued for women's education and equality.

• When Rosseau said that a women’s education should be only to teach her to please her husband and raise children, she stated that women need an education to become virtuous and useful

• She urged women to enter male-dominated fields, such as medicine and politics