Enlightenment philosophers

Question 1

Thomas Hobbes

Answer 1

1. People are naturally greedy, aggressive
2. An absolute government is the only way to keep them in check (Leviathan)
3. Social contract was the mutual transferring of rights- but not quite. People give up certain liberties in exchange for an absolute leader

Question 2

John Locke

Answer 2

1. Wrote Treatise of Government
2. People are naturally good, reasonable, moral
3. Believed tabula rasa: we are born with a blank slate and society makes us corrupt
4. Agreed with natural rights
5. His best government was giving up some freedoms, but having a limited government that protects our natural rights so people can overthrow them if need be

Question 3

Immanuel Kant

Answer 3

1. Believed that reason is the source of morality
2. People emerge from their self-imposed immaturity
3. If everyone did what you are doing, would it lead to irrational or negative consequences, then it is immoral
4. Introduced transcendentalism

Question 4

Voltaire

Answer 4

1. He pushed the limits of patrons

2. Liked freedom of speech: “Don’t agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it”

Question 5

Denis Dedirot

Answer 5

1. Was sponsored by Catherine the Great of Russia

2. Compiled the encyclopedias that consisted of 100 philosopher ideas

Question 6

Physiocrats

Answer 6

1. They were French economic reformers
2. The government should protect property
3. Believed agriculture was important for economy, but neglected the gold/silver acquired from the New World

Question 7

Adam Smith

Answer 7

1. Wrote “Wealth of Nations”
2. Wanted individuals to pursue their own wealth because self-interest lets the economy grow
3. Liked Laissez-Faire economics: hands off from government interference

Question 8

Montesquieu

Answer 8

1. Wrote the “Spirit of the Laws”
2. Believed no one set of laws will work everywhere
3. Inspired American government of legislative, executive, and judicial branches (checks and balances)

Question 9

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer 9

1. He hated the current world/society
2. People’s evil stems from society’s influence
3. Believed a woman’s purpose was to birth and be a mother, so they don’t need education (!)

Question 10

Mary Wollstonecraft

Answer 10

1. Wrote “A Vindication of the Rights of Women”
2. Women want to be equals
3. Argued that women don’t have the reason of men because they have been denied education