Notes+on+Hobbes,+Locke,+Voltaire

What are Hobbes and Locke’s views on government? • Hobbes Social Contract o Humans are selfish and wicked o People needed to give up rights o Need strong ruler/Absolute Monarch • Locke’s Natural Rights o Believe humans could learn and improve themselves o People have natural rights: life liberty and property o Self-government ideal

How did the philosophes advocate reason? • Believed they could apply reason to all aspects of life • Five important concepts include: reason, nature, happiness, progress, and liberty (explain these)

How did Voltaire combat intolerance? • He admired the British government • Criticized the French government and Catholic Church • Fought for tolerance, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech

How did Montesquieu influence the separation of powers? • Montesquieu studied political liberty • Believe Britain was best governed country • Defined separation of powers in his book, On the Spirit of Laws • Each branch would serve as a “check” on the other

How was Rousseau a champion of freedom? • Committed to individual freedom • Believed that civilization corrupted people’s goodness • Only good government was a direct democracy • People give up some of their freedom for the common good • Wrote The Social Contract which said the people and government have an agreement • Government came from the consent of the governed

How did Beccaria Promote Criminal Justice • Believed laws were there to preserve social order, not seek revenge • Fought against torture, irregular trial proceedings • Person should receive a speedy trial • Punishment based upon the seriousness of the crime