Enlightenment Thinkers

Volataire (1694-1778)

Freedom of Expression

Denis Diderot (1713-1784)

Editor of the Encyclopedia, 28 volume set of collected knowledge of the era, which applied principles of the Scientific Revolution to society and human institutions; patronized by Catherine the Great of Russia when censored in France.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

1. British writer, philosopher, and feminist who wrote "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"

2. Argued that women are not naturally inferior to men

3. Maintained that women deserve the same fundamental rights as men

John Locke (1632-1704)

1. English philosopher who wrote "The Second Treatise of Government"

2. Viewed humans as basically rational beings who learn from experience

3. Formulated the theory of natural rights, arguing that people are born with basic rights to "life, liberty, and property"

4. Insisted that governments are formed to protect natural rights

5. Stated that the governed have a right to rebel against rulers who violate natural rights

Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)

French aristocrat who wanted to limit royal absolutism; Wrote The Spirit of Laws, urging that power be separated between executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each balancing out the others, thus preventing despotism and preserving freedom. This greatly influenced writers of the US Constitution. He greatly admired British form of government.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

1. Enlightened thinker best known for writing "The Social Contract".

2. Believed that since "law is the expression of the general will," the state is based on a social contract

3. Emphasized the education of the whole person for citizenship

4. Rejected excessive rationalism and stressed emotions, thus anticipating the romantic movement