1. The English

2.  Prelude  Following the death of Elizabeth I, James I, a staunch Catholic, assumes the throne and begins the persecution of the Protestants.  1649: The English Civil War  Charles I is executed and Oliver Cromwell is placed in charge of the Commonwealth  Though started with lofty goals, eventually devolves into dictatorship  It lasts for 10 years before England reverts to the monarchy and Charles II is placed on the throne

3.  Bio b.1588-d.1679  Begins life as a tutor, but becomes interested in philosophy and starts writing. In 1840, he fears he has angered Parliament so he flees to Paris.  Writings  Leviathan, 1850  Ideas  Believes man is inherently bad and will only behave if “awed” by an absolute ruler.  Sovereign has only one task, to protect his citizens, if he fails than allegiance should transfer to another.  Atheist, religion should only be used for propaganda.  Human life is “nasty, brutish and short.”

4.  Bio b. 1632-d. 1704  Received a prestigious education and while dabbling in medicine, a mentor introduced him to political thought. His early works focus on religious tolerance in response to the bickering in England at the time.  Writings  Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690  Two Treatises of Government, 1690  Ideas  Man is inherently good.  Necessity of government requires compromise for the betterment of the whole.  Representative government with separation of powers.  Founding fathers drew on this for the U.S. Constitution  Humans have the inalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and Property.”

5.  Bio b. 1711-1776  Scottish, philosopher and historian. Friend of Adam Smith. Spent time in France as well.  Writings  A Treatise of Human Nature, 1738  Essays Moral and Political, 1744  Political Discourses, 1752  Ideas  Reason is not motivation alone, must be driven by morals and passion.  Stresses importance of the rule of law.  Doesn’t matter what government is in charge, so long as it’s fair.