Classical Liberal Thinkers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who wrote 'Spirit of the Laws'?

Montesquieu

What are the natural rights that John Locke asserted people have?

Life, liberty, and property

Who advocated absolute sovereignty as necessary to resolve human selfishness?

Thomas Hobbes

What did JJ Rousseau believe about human nature?

People are naturally good but corrupted by society Signup and view all the answers

What was Voltaire's stance on freedom of speech?

He believed it was the best weapon against bad government Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of Capitalism?

Adam Smith Signup and view all the answers

What did Emmanuel Kant believe about humans?

Humans are naturally evil Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Jeremy Bentham propose?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What is Alexis de Tocqueville known for analyzing?

American institutions Signup and view all the answers

Who was the pamphleteer that supported both the American and French Revolutions?

Thomas Paine Signup and view all the answers

According to John Stuart Mill, when are actions considered right?

If they promote happiness Signup and view all the answers

What did Cesare Beccaria advocate for in criminal justice?

Speedy trial and sure punishment Signup and view all the answers

Who argued for women's equality in her work 'Vindication of the Rights of Women'?

Mary Wollstonecraft Signup and view all the answers

What method did Francis Bacon formalize?

Empirical method Signup and view all the answers

What social issues did Charles Dickens address in his novels?

Social injustice Signup and view all the answers

What did Edmund Burke criticize in 'Reflections on the Revolution in France'?

Underlying principles of the French Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What document did Thomas Jefferson write?

Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

What notable contributions did Benjamin Franklin make?

Discoveries in electricity and negotiating French support for the American Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What is David Hume known for in philosophy?

Skeptical philosophy that restricts human knowledge to senses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Classical Liberal Thinkers

Montesquieu: Key figure in political philosophy. Authored 'Spirit of the Laws' highlighting the contextual nature of political laws and advocating for government division.
John Locke: 17th-century philosopher opposing the Divine Right of Kings. Proposed natural rights to life, liberty, and property as fundamental to human existence.
Thomas Hobbes: Political philosopher endorsing absolute sovereignty as necessary to manage humanity's selfish tendencies. Emphasized the need for strong governance in his work.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: French philosopher asserting that humans are inherently good but become corrupted by societal influences. His ideas contributed to later social contract theories.
Voltaire: Prominent advocate for freedom of speech in France. Critiqued government corruption and religious intolerance, reinforcing the importance of individual rights.
Adam Smith: Scottish moral philosopher recognized as the father of Capitalism. Authored 'On the Wealth of Nations', laying the groundwork for modern economic theory during the Scottish Enlightenment.
Immanuel Kant: Philosopher who believed in the inherent evil of humans, advocating for a monarchy as a solution to maintain order.
Jeremy Bentham: Developed the principle of utilitarianism, positing that governments should aim for the greatest good for the greatest number, shaping modern democratic thought.
Alexis de Tocqueville: French writer known for his critical analysis of American democracy and institutions, which examined equality and social conditions.
Thomas Paine: Influential American revolutionary pamphleteer who supported independence from British rule and the principles of democracy, also backing the French Revolution for its values of liberty.
John Stuart Mill: Championed utilitarianism and believed in actions promoting happiness. Advocated for social reform, workers' rights, and suffrage for women.
Cesare Beccaria: Reformer of criminal justice who denounced torture and capital punishment. Advocated for swift trials and punishments designed to deter crime.
Mary Wollstonecraft: Early feminist thinker arguing for women's equality and rights, including voting, in her seminal work "Vindication of the Rights of Women".
Francis Bacon: Formalized the empirical method and promoted inductive reasoning, significantly influencing scientific inquiry and methodologies through 'Novum Organum'.
Charles Dickens: Renowned novelist whose works highlighted and criticized social injustices of 19th-century England, promoting social awareness.
Edmund Burke: Conservative thinker and parliamentary member critical of the French Revolution. Examined its principles in 'Reflections on the Revolution in France'.
Thomas Jefferson: Key figure in American independence; drafted the Declaration of Independence and served as the third President of the United States, shaping early American governance.
Benjamin Franklin: Multifaceted founding father known for his role in the American Revolution. His contributions in diplomacy and electricity made him a respected figure in both America and Europe.
David Hume: Philosopher recognized for his skeptical approach to knowledge, arguing that human understanding is limited to sensory perception. Pioneered social science discussions in "Treatise on Human Nature".

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Explore the key ideas and contributions of classical liberal thinkers with these flashcards. Learn about influential philosophers like Montesquieu and John Locke, who shaped modern political theory and concepts of rights and governance. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of political philosophy.