Renaissance & Thinkers

DAWN OF THE RENAISSANCE (1350 – 1600)

  • The Renaissance marked a revival of the learning of ancient Greece and Rome, which had begun to resurface after the 12th century.

  • Key themes discussed during this period included the comparison between Republics and Monarchies.

PRINTING PRESS

  • The invention of the printing press played a pivotal role in the dissemination of knowledge.

  • Prior to its invention, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them costly and inaccessible for many.

  • The printing press made books more affordable and widely available, facilitating the rapid spread of new information and ideas across Europe.

  • This technological advancement contributed significantly to the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment.

OPPOSITION TO ABSOLUTISM

  • A political system in which a ruler has complete and unlimited power over the government and its people.

  • The era provoked numerous philosophical inquiries, such as:

    • Is it accurate to say that monarchs rule by divine right?

    • Is it justifiable for the poor to be subjected to higher taxes than the wealthy?

    • If natural laws exist, why shouldn't there be laws governing government actions?

    • Should the wealth gap between the rich and poor continue to widen?

THOMAS HOBBES (1588 – 1679)

  • Published Work: Leviathan

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Hobbes believed that humans are inherently selfish and act mainly in their self-interest.

    • He suggested that a strong government is needed to control these tendencies.

    • The existence of a strong government should be supported by force.

  • View on Government:

    • Advocated for a powerful monarchy to ensure societal order, thereby defending absolutism.

    • He claimed that freedom is achievable only when individuals surrender their liberties to a dominant government.

    • Society is maintained primarily through fear of the ruling government.

  • Key Concept: Consent

    • If an oppressive government fails to protect its citizens, those citizens possess the right to revolt.

JOHN LOCKE(classical liberalism) (1632 – 1704)

  • Published Work: Essay Concerning Human Understanding

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Locke argued that humans are naturally free and equal.

    • He believed that humans possess inherent natural rights such as life, liberty, and property ownership.

  • View on Government:

    • The primary function of government is to protect individual rights and liberties.

    • Government interference in citizens' lives should be minimized.

    • Laws should reflect the will of the majority and cater only to the public good.

    • Governance must align with natural and moral laws.

MONTESQUIEU (1689 – 1755)

  • Published Work: Spirit of the Laws

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Montesquieu shared several views with Locke.

  • View on Government:

    • Criticized absolutism and church authority.

    • Held freedom of speech and religious tolerance in high regard.

    • Advocated for a government that was enlightened and protective of individuals' rights to life, liberty, and property.

    • believed in separating government powers into different branches to prevent any one person or group from becoming too powerful.

JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU (1712 – 1778)

  • Published Work: The Social Contract

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Rousseau believed humans are inherently good, intelligent, and moral beings.

    • Asserted that no individual possesses natural authority over another.

  • View on Government:

    • He viewed governments as often cruel, wherein the strong oppress the weak.

    • Proposed the idea of a social contract between governments and citizens.

    • Government power is granted by citizens and must be exercised in their best interest; failure to do so legitimizes rebellion.

    • Recognized as a precursor of modern democracy, advocating for elections and citizen participation.

ADAM SMITH(Father of capitalism, 1723 – 1790)

  • Published Work: Wealth of Nations

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Smith argued that individuals need freedoms to effectively contribute to society's collective interests.

  • View on Government:

    • Disagreed with mercantilism; support laissez-faire economics.

    • Believed that individual pursuits of self-interest would naturally boost production.

    • Introduced the concept of the "invisible hand" to signify that markets would effectively regulate themselves without government intervention.

VOLTAIRE (1694 – 1778)

  • Published Work: Candide

  • View on Human Nature:

    • Claimed that people are rational and capable of reasoning.

    • Emphasized the importance of sharing ideas and being receptive to others’ opinions as a means of acquiring knowledge.

  • View on Government:

    • Advocated for government protection of individual rights and freedoms, particularly the freedom of speech.

    • Famous Quote: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Social contract: An agreement among individuals to give up some freedoms and obey laws in exchange for protection and the benefits of an organized society.