Enlightenment Philosophers: Background & Readings

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the Enlightenment philosophers discussed in the lecture notes, focusing on their contributions to political theory.

Social Contract

An agreement where people give up some freedom to a powerful ruler in exchange for order and safety.

Natural Rights

Rights that all humans are born with, including life, liberty, and property, as argued by John Locke.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making, supported by Rousseau.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent tyranny, as proposed by Montesquieu.

Common Law

Law based on custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes, emphasized by William Blackstone.

General Will

The will of the majority that Rousseau argued should guide laws for the good of society.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the people, central to Lockean philosophy.

Thomas Hobbes's view on human nature

Believed that humans are naturally selfish and inherently bad, requiring a strong, absolute government to maintain order and prevent chaos.

John Locke's view on human nature

Believed that humans are born with natural rights and are generally reasonable and capable of self-governance, but need government to protect these rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view on human nature

Believed that humans are naturally good but are corrupted by society and its institutions, advocating for a government guided by the "general will" for societal good.