Caribbean History - Rosseau and Voltaire

What was the Enlightenment period?

17th–18th century European movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights over tradition and religious authority.

Who are two French Philosophers of the Enlightenment?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire.

What is the name of Rousseau's book and the year of publication?

The Social Contract - 1762

What are Rousseau's main concepts?

Social contract, general will, popular sovereignty and democracy

What is Rosseau's concept of social contract?

People agree to form a government that serves their common interests while preserving political freedom

What is Rousseau's concept of general will?

The general will is society’s common interest; laws should serve the whole community

What is Rousseau's concept of popular sovereignty

Political power comes from the people; government gains authority from citizens, not divine right.

What is Rousseau's concept of democracy

Citizens should participate in government and have a role in making the laws that govern them

What is an important quote form Rousseau's book?

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

What are 4 limitations of Rousseau's ideas?

1.

Hard to apply in large modern states (direct citizen participation impractical).

2.

Leaders may misuse “general will” to silence minorities.

3.

Majority rule can endanger minority rights without constitutional safeguards.

4.

Direct democracy is hard to practice in large, highly populated modern countries.

What are the names of Voltaire's books and year of publication?

Letters on the English - 1733
Treaties of Tolerance - 1763

What are Voltaire's main ideas?

Freedom of speech, religious tolerance, separation of church and state and individual liberty

What is Voltaire's idea of freedom of speech?

People should be free to share opinions and ideas without unfair censorship or persecution.

What is Voltaire's idea of religious tolerance?

People should be allowed to practice different religions without being persecuted for their beliefs

What is Voltaire's idea of separation of church and state?

Government must not let one religion dominate politics; citizens should have freedom of belief

What is Voltaire's idea of individual liberty?

Individuals should be free to think, speak, and believe without unnecessary interference.

what is an important quote from Voltaire's book?

"I disapprove of what you say, but i will defend to the death your right to say it"

What are 4 limitations of Voltaire's concepts?

1.

Absolute free speech can cause harm (incitement, threats).

2.

Voltaire’s attacks on religion were sometimes hostile to groups.

3.

Full separation of religion and politics is hard in religious societies.

4.

Individual liberty can clash with public safety, order, or others’ rights.