Thomas HobbesAll humans naturally selfish and wickedWithout govt., war of every man against

every manNature, life would be solitary, poor, nasty,

brutish and short

Social ContractPeople gave up rights to ruler for law and

orderRuler needed absolute power to impose

order and demand obedience of citizens

John Locke People could learn from experience and

improve themselvesHave natural ability to govern own affairs and

look after welfare of society All people born free with Natural Rights

Life, Liberty and propertyIf govt. fails to do these rights, people have right

to overthrow govt. Govt. power comes from consent of people

Foundation for modern democracyInspired struggles for liberty in Americas

Enlightenment in France

Philosophes – French philosophers who believed people could apply reason to aspects of life

5 Core Concepts of Philosophy Reason – truth discovered though logical

thinking Nature – what was natural was good and

reasonable Happiness – lived by nature’s laws Progress – society and humankind could

be perfected Liberty – liberties English won in Bill of

Rights, Too many restrictions on speech, religion, trade

and personal travel in France

Voltaire

Satire against his opponents Fought for tolerance, reason, freedom of

religion and speech Mocked laws and customs of France Raised doubts about Christianity

Montesquieu Studied Rome, collapse due to loss of

political liberties Believed Britain best-governed country

Separation of Powers - balanced among three groups○ King – executive, carried out laws○ Parliament – legislative, make laws○ Judges – judicial, interpret laws

Checks and balances○ Each branch check other branch to insure one

group from gaining total control

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Individual Freedom Civilization corrupted people’s natural

goodnessStrongest forced everyone else to obey

laws, destroying freedom and equality

Direct democracy - only good government

All people are equal and titles of nobility should be abolished

Cesare Beccaria

Law exists to preserve social order not avenge crimes

Accused should receive speedy trial Torture should never be used Punishment should fit the crime Governments should seek greatest good

for greatest number of people

Women of Enlightenment Mary Wollstonecraft

Disagreed that women’s education should be secondary to men

Women need education to be virtuous and useful

Should be able to be doctors and not just nurses

Salons – social gathering to discuss enlightenment ideas and artistic performances