Socrates
1. Establish an ethical system based on human reason2. Socratic Method-asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking3. Best form of government run by individuals
Aristotle
1. Wrote about politics/ethics/science2. Invented the field of formal logic3. Influenced Philadelphia delegates in writing the new American Constitution.
Plato
1. Platonic realism:theory of Forms known by pure reason2. "One person-one job"3. The Republic-wise society run by a philosopher
John Locke
1.Believed people are born with equal rights2. Helped narrate the idea of "Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness"3. Religious tolerance :separation of church and state
Gorge Hegel
1. Commitment to individual rights, the rule of law, and commercial society2. Progress of history (Constitution need to be able to manipulated for future)3. Phenomenology of Spirit- Science of Logic
Rousseau
1.Believed :good government must have the freedom of all its citizens2. Influenced the US government through the advancement of the philosophy of social contract.3. Wrote:Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
John Stuart Mill
1. Believed in Utilitarianism2. Believed in individual liberty= first amendment 3. Was a Naturalist
Thomas Hobbes
1. His radical rationalism was an inspiration of the constitution.2. Believed in natural equality of all men.3. Believed in the distinction between civil society and the state (10th amendment)
David Hume
1. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751)2. Relation of matter of fact3. "Passion drives behavior, rather than logic
Machiavelli
1.Constitution contribution- restored reason to matters of government2. The prince (1532)-provide a guide for political action3. Believed that it's better for a ruler to be widely feared than greatly loved
Montesquieu
1. Constitution contribution- separating government authority into the three major branches2. The spirit of laws(1748)- gov. is separated and balanced to guarantee individual rights and freedom3. Believed in uniting powers without them becoming too powerful
Edmund Burke
1. Named the " Father of Conservatism"- bc of his speeches about the British Parliament 2. Believed society needs moral stability inorder to work correctly3. Believed government should have a relationship between rulers and subject