1. Enlightenment Philosophers

2. Thomas Hobbes English Philosopher Author of Leviathan
Believed man was by nature selfish
Believed in Absolute Monarchy
Developed theory of social contract

3. John Locke English Philosopher Wrote Two Treatises of Government
People are equal.
Natural rights of life, liberty, property
His ideas are used Declaration of Independence

4. Mary Wollstonecraft English Wrote: Vindication of the Rights of Women
Men & women are equal.
Women should vote; they will protect the common good.
Feminism
Started the women’s movement.

5. Montesquieu French Philosopher Wrote Spirit of Laws Man is intolerant
Elected Government
U. S. Constitution based on his ideas of sharing power: Checks & Balances

6. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
French philosopher
Author of The Social Contract
Believed man was corrupted by society
Believed government had became powerful through knowledge, which crushed individual liberty.
Theories: noble savage
Liberty, equality, fraternity

7. Voltaire French Philosopher Wrote Candide
People are equal but barbaric
Against Absolutism
Theory: Only through free speech can injustice be stopped.