Enlightenment
a new intellectual movement that stressed reason, thought, and the power of individuals to solve problems. Known also as the Age of Reason, the movement reached its height in the mid-1700's. They sought new insight into the underlying beliefs regarding go
Social contract
A philosophy by Thomas Hobbs advocating an agreement between a society and its government. Hobbes that stated in order to have law and order the people had to hand over their rights to the government. In Hobbes's view, an ideal government was an absolute
John Locke
Believed in Natural rights�life, liberty, property. His impact was Fundamental to U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Voltaire
Believed in Freedom of thought and expression and Religious freedom. His impact was Guaranteed in U.S. Bill of Rights and French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen; European monarchs reduce or eliminate censorship, and European monarchs reduce p
Montesquieu
Believed in Separation of powers and checks and balances.. His impact was France, United States, and Latin American nations use separation of powers in new constitutions.
Rousseau
(1712-1778) Believed that society threatened natural rights and freedoms. Wrote "The Social Contract." Rousseau believed that the only good government was one that was freely formed by the people and guided by the "general will" of society�a direct democr
Mary Wollstonecraft
She believed in Women's equality. Her impact was Women's rights groups formed in Europe and North America.
What are the natural rights with which people are born, according to John Locke?
According to Locke, all people are born free and equal, with three natural rights�life, liberty, and property. The purpose of government, said Locke, is to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, citizens have a right to overthrow it.
What was the legacy of the Enlightenment?
Reason Enlightened thinkers believed that people could apply reason to all aspects of life. Five concepts formed the core of their beliefs:1. Reason discovered through reason or logical thinking.
2. Nature The philosophes believed that what was natural wa
How does Locke's view of human nature differ from that of Hobbes?
Hobbes believed that all humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Hobbes said, the ruler needed total power to keep citizens under control. The best government was an absolute monarchy, which could impose order and demand obedience.
Locke believed in a p
What advantages did Montesquieu see in the separation of powers?
Montesquieu proposed that separation of powers would keep any individual or group from gaining total control of the government.
Why was the issue of education was important to both Astell and Wollstonecraft?
Wollstonecraft believed women, like men, need education to become virtuous and useful. Astell wrote a book that addressed the lack of educational opportunities for women. Both women saw the unequal relationship between men and women. Both believed that ed
philosophes
.
the French word for philosophers