Enlightenment Thinkers

Social Contract (Hobbes)

The agreement among individuals to form an organized society and establish authority to control their inherently cruel and selfish nature.

Hobbes' view of human nature

People are considered cruel, greedy, and selfish, necessitating control through strong government.

Absolute Monarch

A form of government where a single ruler holds total power and authority, as advocated by Hobbes.

Natural Rights (Locke)

Rights that belong to all humans from birth, including life, liberty, and property.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

The American adaptation of Locke's natural rights, protected by the Bill of Rights.

Limited Powers of Government (Locke)

The concept that government powers should be restricted to protect natural rights.

Right to Revolution (Locke)

The belief that people have the right and responsibility to overthrow a government that abuses their natural rights.

Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.

Checks and Balances (Montesquieu)

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Free Speech (Voltaire)

The principle defended by Voltaire, promoting the right to express opinions without censorship.

Rousseau's view on human nature

People are essentially good, but some controls are necessary within society.

Freely Elected Government (Rousseau)

The idea that government should be elected by the people to represent their will.

Subordination to Community (Rousseau)

The belief that individual rights must be secondary to the collective good of the community.

Women's Rights (Wollstonecraft)

The ideology promoting equal rights and opportunities for women.

Laissez-Faire (Adam Smith)

An economic principle advocating minimal government intervention in business.

Government's Role (Adam Smith)

To protect society, administer justice, and provide for public works, without interfering in business.

Cruel and Unusual Punishments (Cesare Beccaria)

A legal standard against which punishments should be measured, promoting humane treatment.