RENE DESCARTE 1596-1650 FRANCE Significant contributions to Rationalism… developed a train of reasoning to reach certain basic truths…. Wrote: “Discourse on the method” Quote: “I think, therefore I am”

THOMAS HOBBES 1588-1679 ENGLAND Key contributor to Political Philosophy (social contract, types of rule, consent, human nature, etc.) Wrote: “Leviathan” during the English Civil War Quote: “Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”

JOHN LOCKE 1632-1704 ENGLAND Strong advocate of government by consent, and natural rights Wrote: “Two Treatises of Government” Quote: “Life, Liberty, Property”

VOLTAIRE 1619-1778 FRANCE (FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET) Never stopped fighting for tolerance, the use of reason, freedom of speech and religion. Wrote: Prolific writer, published over 70 books!! Quote: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it”

Baron de MONTESQUIEU 1689-1755 FRANCE His ideas around “separation of powers” become basis for U.S.A. constitution (legislative, executive, judicial) Wrote: “On the Spirit of Laws” Quote: “When the law-making and law-enforcing powers are united in one person, there can be no liberty”

JEAN-JAQUES ROUSSEAU 1712-1778 FRANCE Heavy influence on French Revolution and American Revolution, and the idea of a social contract between government and people Wrote: “Social Contract” Quote: “Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains”

CESARE BECCARIA 1738-1794 ITALIAN Concerned with the prisoner’s rights. Anti-torture and death penalty, pro-guns. Wrote: “On Crimes and Punishments” Quote: “Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes”

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT 1759-1797 BRITISH Believed that equality between genders will improve society Wrote: “A vindication of the rights of women” Quote: “I am about to display the mind of a woman, who has thinking powers”

FREDERICK THE GREAT 1712-1786 PRUSSIA (FREDERICK II) Enlightened Despot who promoted religious equality, tolerance, freedom of expression and general education rules Wrote: Assisted in writing and enforcing the first “German Law Code” Quote: “First servant of the State”

CATHERINE THE GREAT 1729-1796 RUSSIA (CATHERINE II) Enlightened Despot detested force as a way to make Russia progress.... Wrote: Called for a meeting of the best minds in Europe to help her create and publish “The Moscow Grand Commission” Quote: “I am one of those people who loves the WHY of things”

THOMAS JEFFERSON 1743-1826 U.S.A. Founding Father of U.S. government, held many government titles, was a minister to France Wrote: “U.S.A. Declaration of Independence” Quote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident”