The Enlightenment Philosophers

A comprehensive set of practice questions covering the major Enlightenment philosophers and their core theories as discussed in the Social Studies 30-1 lecture.

According to Thomas Hobbes, why is the life of a man 'nasty, brutish and short'?

Because people are selfish and violent, and letting men be free puts everyone in danger.

What did Thomas Hobbes believe individuals must give up to a leader to ensure their security?

They must give up their freedoms to a leader who will rule as he sees fit to keep them safe.

What example does the transcript provide of a group that failed because they refused to use force, supporting Hobbes' view on violence?

The League of Nations, which failed to prevent the expansion of Japan into China and Italy into Abyssinia.

Contrast to Hobbes, how did John Locke describe the nature of people?

Locke believed that people are overall rational and reasonable.

According to John Locke, what is the 'divine right of kings'?

An idea used by monarchs to justify why they had their job, which Locke disagreed with.

What three things did John Locke argue a government should exist to protect?

Life, liberty, and property.

According to Locke, when do people have the right to rebel against their government?

When the government fails to protect the people or their interests.

Which historical event in the Americas was based on the ideas of John Locke regarding the right to rebel?

The Boston Tea Party and the subsequent revolution over a dispute regarding the taxation of tea.

What is Jean-Jacques Rousseau's famous quote regarding human freedom?

"Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains".

What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau propose to address the jealousy and corruption caused by individualism?

The creation of a social contract, which is an agreement of how to behave and live peacefully together.

How is Rousseau's idea of the 'general will' different from Locke's focus on society?

Instead of protecting individual rights, Rousseau's idea focuses on enforcing communal norms through a form of direct democracy.

Which societies did Rousseau respect for being based on the ideas of collective norms?

Aboriginal societies in North America.

How did Karl Marx view the impact of the free market on society?

He saw that it only increases the gap between the rich and the poor.

What specific terms did Karl Marx use to describe factory owners and workers?

He called the rich factory owners the 'bougeoise' and the workers the 'proliterant'.

What did Karl Marx believe was necessary to teach humans to share and benefit the group?

People would need to be indoctrinated.

What was Karl Marx's proposed transition to a society based on equality?

A dictatorship would first be needed to get everything organized before people eventually ruled themselves.

What is Voltaire's most famous quote regarding freedom of speech?

"I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it!"

What concept did Montesquieu introduce to prevent rulers from abusing their power?

Breaking the government into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Who is known as the 'Father of capitalism' and wrote 'The Wealth of Nations'?

Adam Smith.

What is the central idea of Adam Smith's economic theory?

If people are free to buy and sell goods without government interference, the economy will grow.

What two protections for people did John Stuart Mill advocate for, despite supporting the ideas of Locke and Smith?

He wanted women to have the right to vote and felt workers should have protections against the worst abuses of capitalism.