Enlightenment flashcards

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems

Leviathan 1651

Book by Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes's belief

All humans are wicked and evil

Social Contract

Thomas Hobbes's idea that we exchange power to a ruler in order preserve order.

John Locke's belief

people were naturally good and could control themselves.

Natural Rights

Life, Liberty, and property

To protect people's rights

purpose of government according to Locke

Voltaire

Philosopher who came up with freedom of speech

Montesquieu

Philosopher who came up with separation of powers

Rousseau

Has similar beliefs to Hobbes, wanted Direct Democracy

Women in the Enlightenment

Great points were brought up for gender equality.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Fought for Women's rights

Direct Democracy

Everybody votes on everything

Representative Democarcy

People vote on representatives to vote on their behalf.

Separation of Powers

Splitting the government into different bodies/ branches.

Freedom Of Speech

Being able to say whatever you like with no consequence.

Checks and Balances

A way to make sure no branch of the government becomes more powerful that the others.

Government

The system which oversees and governs a nation or area.

Individualism

People determining right and wring for themselves.

Age of Reason

Other term for the Enlightenment.