Enlightenment Thinkers - Philosophers

Jean-Jacque Rousseau - French, The Social Contract, individuals have consented, either explicitly to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the ruler (or to the decision of a majority) in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.  (most influential for French Revolution)

John Locke - English, The Second Treatise of Government, men have natural rights and that they have the right to life, liberty and property (possessions)

Thomas (Calvin) Hobbes - English, The Leviathan, strongest person will survive (Darwinism); state must have absolute power; "Humans exist in a primitive 'state of nature' and consent to government for self protection."

Montesquieu - French, The Spirit of Laws, separation of powers

Voltaire - (his nom de plume, real name is François-Marie Arouet) French, advocated for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. (secular)

What was the importance of the salon during the Enlightenment?  The salons (coffee or tea shops of the time) served as meeting place for the philosophers to share their ideas; often run by women