1. RENE DESCARTE FRANCE
Significant contributions to Rationalism… developed a train of reasoning to reach certain basic truths….
Wrote:
“Discourse on the method”
Quote:
“I think, therefore I am”

2. THOMAS HOBBES 1588-1679 ENGLAND
Key contributor to Political Philosophy
(social contract, types of rule, consent, human nature, etc.)
Wrote:
“Leviathan” during the English Civil War
Quote:
“Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”

3. JOHN LOCKE ENGLAND
Strong advocate of government by consent, and natural rights
Wrote:
“Two Treatises of Government”
Quote:
“Life, Liberty, Property”

4. VOLTAIRE 1619-1778 FRANCE (FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET)
Never stopped fighting for tolerance, the use of reason, freedom of speech and religion.
Wrote:
Prolific writer, published over 70 books!!
Quote:
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it”

5. Baron de MONTESQUIEU 1689-1755 FRANCE
His ideas around “separation of powers” become basis for U.S.A. constitution (legislative, executive, judicial)
Wrote:
“On the Spirit of Laws”
Quote:
“When the law-making and law-enforcing powers are united in one person, there can be no liberty”

6. JEAN-JAQUES ROUSSEAU 1712-1778 FRANCE
Heavy influence on French Revolution and American Revolution, and the idea of a social contract between government and people
Wrote:
“Social Contract”
Quote:
“Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains”

7. CESARE BECCARIA 1738-1794 ITALIAN
Concerned with the prisoner’s rights. Anti-torture and death penalty, pro-guns.
Wrote:
“On Crimes and Punishments”
Quote:
“Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes”

8. MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT 1759-1797 BRITISH
Believed that equality between genders will improve society
Wrote:
“A vindication of the rights of women”
Quote:
“I am about to display the mind of a woman, who has thinking powers”

9. FREDERICK THE GREAT 1712-1786 PRUSSIA (FREDERICK II)
Enlightened Despot who promoted religious equality, tolerance, freedom of expression and general education rules
Wrote:
Assisted in writing and enforcing the first “German Law Code”
Quote:
“First servant of the State”

10. CATHERINE THE GREAT 1729-1796 RUSSIA (CATHERINE II)
Enlightened Despot detested force as a way to make Russia progress....
Wrote:
Called for a meeting of the best minds in Europe to help her create and publish “The Moscow Grand Commission”
Quote:
“I am one of those people who loves the WHY of things”

11. THOMAS JEFFERSON U.S.A.
Founding Father of U.S. government, held many government titles, was a minister to France
Wrote:
“U.S.A. Declaration of Independence”
Quote:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident”