Philosopher's Beliefs
What does John Locke believe in?
This philosopher believed the main purpose of government was to protect life, liberty, and property.
What is Tabula Rasa?
This is the theory that the human mind is a "blank slate" at birth.
What are Natural Rights?
This is John Locke's term for rights that all people are born with.
Who was Immanuel Kant?
This German philosopher is famous for the motto "Dare to know!"
What is China?
This country's imperial examination system was admired by Enlightenment thinkers.
What does Immanuel Kant believe in?
This thinker argued that people should have the courage to use their own understanding and not rely on authorities.
What is Free Speech?
This concept, championed by Voltaire, is the right to express opinions without censorship.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This 1776 document stated that governments get their power from the "consent of the governed."
Who was Voltaire?
This French philosopher fought against censorship and famously defended free speech.
What is merit (or examination)?
Enlightenment thinkers admired China because its officials were chosen by this, not by noble birth.
What does Thomas Hobbes believe in?
This philosopher had a pessimistic view of human nature, believing life without government was a "war of all against all."
What is the General Will?
Rousseau's concept for what is best for the entire community, not just for individuals.
What is the Right to Revolution?
This is the radical idea that people have the duty to overthrow a government that violates their rights.
Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
This French philosopher wrote "The Social Contract" and developed the "General Will."
Who was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz?
Besides Voltaire, this German philosopher and mathematician was also a great admirer of Chinese culture.
What does Jean-Jacques Rousseau believe in?
This philosopher believed that society's rules and competition make people unhappy and less free.
What is the Social Contract?
This is the name of the agreement where people consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights.
What is the Consent of the Governed?
This is the idea that a government is only legitimate if the people it rules have agreed to it.
Who was John Locke?
This English philosopher believed people were reasonable and could govern themselves with protected rights.
What is the (Christian) Church?
Enlightenment thinkers saw China as evidence that a society could be stable and moral without the control of this institution.
Who was Denis Diderot?
This philosopher's work, the "Encyclopedia," was designed to spread knowledge and challenge traditional authority.
What is Censorship?
This is the suppression of speech or writing that the authorities consider objectionable.
Who was John Locke?
The American Revolution was a direct practical application of this English philosopher's ideas.
Who was Thomas Hobbes?
This thinker believed humans needed to give up their freedom to an absolute ruler to avoid a chaotic life.
What is Confucianism?
Chinese philosophy, especially this system of thought, was admired for its ethics that didn't depend on organized religion.