Questions and Answers
What did the philosophers of the Enlightenment seek to understand?
the natural rights governing human behavior and society
Which could be considered an act indicating acceptance of the social contract?
driving on the highway
According to the quote, the Enlightenment encourages people to __________ for themselves.
think
John Locke believed humans are __________.
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According to the quote, __________ is lost if one person has too much power.
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What did philosophers of the Enlightenment have faith in, believing it could answer questions and solve problems?
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Which term is synonymous with "natural rights," according to Enlightenment philosophers?
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________________ supported the Enlightenment idea that people are naturally selfish.
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Under what circumstances did John Locke think it would be acceptable for the people to overthrow the government?
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Why did Montesquieu advocate the separation of powers?
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According to Hobbes, what is the primary purpose of the social contract?
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How did the Enlightenment's theories of government view the role of government?
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The key idea of John Locke's Enlightenment theory was to protect and enhance the freedoms and rights of __________.
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According to John Locke, __________ must respect the rights of the citizens.
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Locke argued that all humans are born with what natural rights?
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Study Notes
Enlightenment Philosophers and Ideas
- Philosophers sought to understand natural rights that govern human behavior and society.
- Human reason was believed to be a powerful tool for answering questions and solving problems.
Social Contract
- Driving on the highway is seen as an act acknowledging acceptance of the social contract.
- John Locke suggested that people could justifiably overthrow the government if it violated the social contract.
- The primary purpose of the social contract, according to Thomas Hobbes, was to limit individual liberty for mutual assistance against common threats.
Immanuel Kant and Rational Thought
- Kant emphasized the importance of using one's own reason, highlighting the essence of Enlightenment thought.
Views on Human Nature
- John Locke viewed humans as naturally reasonable and advocated for individual freedoms.
- Thomas Hobbes posited that individuals are inherently selfish, which influenced his views on governance.
Separation of Powers
- Montesquieu argued that freedom is compromised when too much power is concentrated in a single person or body, leading to the separation of powers to prevent tyranny.
Natural and Universal Rights
- Enlightenment philosophers used the term 'universal rights' synonymously with 'natural rights,' emphasizing rights inherent to all individuals.
- Locke identified life, liberty, and property as the fundamental natural rights of individuals.
- Rulers must respect the rights of citizens, as emphasized in Locke's theories on governance.
Governance Perspective
- Enlightenment theories viewed government as a useful entity, tasked with protecting individual freedoms and rights.
- Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers specifically to limit the authority of any one group or individual, ensuring a balanced government structure.
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Description
Explore the fundamental ideas of Enlightenment philosophers who shaped modern thought about natural rights and the social contract. Delve into the contrasting views of thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes on human nature and governance. This quiz will enhance your understanding of the role of reason and individual freedoms in philosophy.
