Thinkers of the Enlightenment

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Enlightenment thinkers, their major publications, core concepts, and political philosophies.

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher (1588-1679) who wrote 'Leviathan' during the English Civil War and argued that humans are naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish, requiring a strong central authority to maintain order.

Social Contract

An agreement in which people give up some of their freedom to an organized government in exchange for safety and order.

Absolute Monarchy

The form of government advocated by Thomas Hobbes as the best system to impose order, compel obedience, and suppress rebellion.

John Locke

An English thinker (1623-1704) who believed human nature is governed by reason and tolerance, rulers' powers must be limited by laws, and governments exist by consent to protect natural rights.

Natural Rights

The core rights identified by John Locke that every person has the right to defend: life, liberty, and property.

Baron de Montesquieu

A French philosopher (1869-1755) who published 'Spirit of the Laws' in 1758, focusing on different government types and recommending separation of powers along with checks and balances.

Aristocratic Republics

A form of republic where one specific group governs the rest of the people because they are viewed as better than the rest.

Democratic Republics

A form of republic where representatives are chosen through election, relying on popular sovereignty and an educated citizenry.

Popular Sovereignty

The concept that the people are the ultimate source of political power.

Civic Virtue

The quality required in citizens of a democratic republic to distinguish their individual interests and needs from the best interest of the country.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

A Genevan thinker (1712-1778) who authored 'Social Contract' in 1762, asserting that people are inherently good but corrupted by society, and government should act for the common good.

General Will

The collective interest of the community to which individuals submit their personal interests under Rousseau's vision of the social contract.

Francois-Marie Arouet/Voltaire

An outspoken French philosopher (1694-1778) known for his biting wit who fought government injustices and advocated for freedom of speech, religious freedom, and the separation of church and government.