Which Enlightenment Philosopher Do You Most Associate With? Thomas Hobbes- Without government, people would live in a state of nature Therefore, we must have a “social contract” with government to avoid selfish human beings John Locke- People are inherently good and reasonable Purpose of government = protect natural rights Insecurity causes people to gather in groups and give their consent to the government or form a “social contract” Montesquieu- Man is ambitious, balance of power, social classes should be revised and less determined Separation of Powers: Legislative, Judicial, Executive