Immanuel Kant German philosopher People use own intelligence – discount authority, tradition (Church and State) Religion: use mind wisely If your actions benefit others, do it! If have a negative effect – don’t do it!

Montesquieu Lived 17 th -18 th century in France Responding to the Inquisition, Absolutism, and slavery Advocated humanitarianism, constitutionalism, and denounced despotism Geography, history, culture need to be evaluated to determine Separation of power – one person should not have control. Against war … if gain was not good for the whole

Voltaire French Not an atheist, but a deist (basis in reason and science). Believed in a universe created by God … b/c it was orderly. Christian teachings questionable. Not a democrat or advocate of revolution. Wants freedoms (speech, press) … laws based on reason.

Rousseau Social Contract State of Nature Poor knew only oppression and misery Women – nature granted this group Direct Democracy – freedom and equality Current types of absolutist gov’t = corrupt! Science and art a tool for gov’t to gain more power. Lords and clergy would rule.

Diderot France – early 1700s Dealt with corruption of RC Church. Critiqued Christian view of human nature. Slavery a violation! Gov’t existed to serve people. Humane treatment for all! People should be enlightened (educated) to their rights and liberties. Checks on power in gov’t. necessary to ensure everyone’s rights were being met. Against war.

Adam Smith

Thomas Hobbes , England – lived through English Civil War (Chas I’s execution). Believed in absolutism – no limit on a ruler’s authority. Sovereign power #1 way to ensure justice to all people. State above Church. Humanity inherently BAD! Individuals would rule selfishly, democracy would lead to inefficiency. Influenced by Macchiavelli’s “The ends justifies the means”

John Locke People born with natural rights (life, liberty, and protection of property). Right to dissolve gov’t IF state failed to protect / promote natural rights People essentially GOOD! Declared Christians who persecuted others in the name of religion go against the teaching of Christ. Improve society by improving gov’t. Participants in gov’t should be educated.

John Locke and the American Revolution T. Jefferson utilized many of Locke’s ideas when writing the Decl. of Independ. Also influenced State’s authority limited by agreement. (nat’l bank, reps to Congress) Property taxes – only if people consent!