Enlightenment Thinkers and Concepts

Voltaire: published political essays, philosphy and drama, used satire against opponents. Targetted the clergy, the aristocracy. and the government. Wa twice sent to prison for making enemies with the French government. Fought for tolerance, reason, religious freedom, and feedom of speech.

Montesquieu: Loved the separation of powers into different branches of government which Britain had at the time. Wrote a book in which he argued that separation of powers would keep any individual or group from gaining total control of the government, said "power should be a check to power."

Rousseau: passionately committed to individual freedom. Most philosophes believed that reaosn, science, and art would improve life for all people. Rousseau however argued that civilization corrupted people's natural goodness. Believed civilization corrupted people's natural goodness; that "man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." Believed only good government was freely formed direct democracy. Stated that under this, poeple should agree to give up some of their freedom for common good. Wrote The Social Contract. Believed all poeple were equal and that title sof nobility should be abolished. Ideas inspired french revolution. Believed womens' education should teach them how to be a good wife

Beccaria: Italian philosophe fascinated with justice system. Believed laws existed to preserve social order, not to avenge crimes. Criticized abuses of justice like torture and cruel punishments. Believed degree of punishment should be based on seriousness of the crime and that people should get a speedy trial

John Locke: believed people could learn from experience and improve themselves. criticized absolute monarchies and favored self-government. believed people were born with natural rights- life, liberty, and property