John Locke and Montesquieu

John Locke

• Influential 17th century English philosopher of the Enlightenment era.
• Key proponent of the social contract theory, emphasizing government’s role in protecting individual rights.
• Advocated for limited government power based on the consent of the governed.
• Proposed that individuals give up certain freedoms for security and protection.
• Believed citizens have the right to overthrow the government if it violates their rights.
• Introduced the concept of natural rights: life, liberty, and property as inherent and inalienable.
• His ideas significantly influenced the American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Championed reason and empiricism, arguing that all knowledge comes from experience.
• Suggested the mind is a "tabula rasa" (blank slate) at birth, challenging the notion of innate knowledge.
• Lasting impact on political philosophy and modern democratic societies.

Baron de Montesquieu

• 18th century French philosopher known for advocating the separation of powers.
• Proposed dividing government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• Introduced checks and balances to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberty.
• Argued each governmental branch should have distinct powers to avoid abuse of authority.
• Believed government forms should be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of society.
• Suggested democratic government is best for small, homogeneous societies, while larger societies might require monarchy or republics.
• His concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances have greatly influenced modern democratic systems.

Voltaire

• 18th century French philosopher and writer famous for promoting civil liberties and freedom of speech.
• Birth name was François-Marie Arouet; adopted "Voltaire" as a pen name.
• Championed the right of individuals to express opinions freely, viewing it as crucial for societal progress.
• Strong critic of religious intolerance and advocated for religious freedom without state preference.
• Vocal opponent of the Catholic Church's role in society; exposed its hypocrisy and corruption.
• Promoted reason and rationalism, encouraging individuals to challenge superstition and tradition.
• His advocacy for civil liberties and reason significantly shaped modern democratic thought and scientific method.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• 18th century philosopher known for his views on the social contract and human nature.
• Proposed that individuals form a society through a social contract based on the "general will."
• Believed the government should act in accordance with the public's collective will.
• Argued that citizens relinquish some freedoms for government protection, which in turn must safeguard their rights.
• Advocated for popular sovereignty, asserting that people should influence decisions affecting their lives.
• Suggested humanity is naturally good, with civilization corrupting this inherent goodness.