Enlightenment Thinkers - Philosophers

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

French philosopher known for 'The Social Contract', which argues that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms for protection of their remaining rights.

The Social Contract

A work by Rousseau that discusses the agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain constraints for mutual protection.

John Locke

English philosopher known for 'The Second Treatise of Government', emphasizing natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

The Second Treatise of Government

Locke's work arguing that all individuals have natural rights and the government should protect these rights.

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher known for 'The Leviathan', which argues that a strong central authority is necessary to prevent chaos.

The Leviathan

Hobbes's work proposing that the strongest individual or government must hold absolute power for societal order.

Montesquieu

French philosopher known for 'The Spirit of Laws', advocating for the separation of powers in government.

The Spirit of Laws

Montesquieu's work that introduces the idea of dividing government power to prevent tyranny.

Voltaire

French philosopher and advocate for freedom of religion, speech, and separation of church and state.

What was the significance of salons during the Enlightenment?

Salons served as meeting places for philosophers to share and discuss ideas, often run by women.

What did Rousseau mean by 'consent' in The Social Contract?

Individuals agreeing to surrender some freedoms to gain protection of their remaining rights.

What natural rights did John Locke believe all men possess?

Life, liberty, and property.

What is Hobbes's view of human nature in 'The Leviathan'?

Humans exist in a primitive state of nature and consent to government for self-protection.

What principle did Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of Laws' advocate?

The separation of powers in government.