Philosophers of the Enlightenment
Directions
For this assignment you will research and present information about one of the Enlightenment
philosophers listed below. You are responsible for the philosopher highlighted in the list below.
1. Thomas Hobbes
4. Cesare Beccaria
2. Charles Montesquieu
5. Jean Jacques Rousseau
3. John Locke
6. Mary Wollstonecraft
7. Voltaire
After you've been assigned your philosopher, you will conduct research in books and on the Internet for
information about that philosopher's work. Note in particular the following about your philosopher:
 Key concepts/ideas
 Theories about government
 Theories about human nature
Research links: the class activity and discussion
Hobbes
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/
http://www.constitution.org/th/decive.htm
Montesquieu
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/
Locke
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4n.htm
Beccaria
http://www.constitution.org/cb/beccaria_bio.htm
Rousseau
http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/rous.htm
Wollstonecraft
http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/woll.htm
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/wollstonecraft.html
Voltaire
http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/v9.htm#volt
Rubric – possible score of 25
Effectively uses class time for research and note-taking
(Uses class time for research and note-taking but not effectively)
Addresses all parts of the research notes
(Addresses most parts of the research notes)
Analyzes research and makes connections to prompts effectively
(analyzes most of the information and makes some connections)
Effective contributor when presenting notes to class
2
(1)
2
(1)
2
(1)
1
Sub-total 7
Expands beyond basic core of 1-7 points. The basic score of 7 must be achieved in order to earn expanded
core.
0-3
 Research is meticulous and thorough
 Analyzes all questions showing a thorough understanding of the philosopher’s position
 Presentation in class is polished and professional
Total +15 10
Adapted from Andres/THS
Philosophers of the Enlightenment
Using your research, answer the following questions – you may use a separate piece of paper if necessary (some
may not apply to all philosophers)
1. Philosopher’s name:
2. Mini-biography – briefly cover their background: who they were, where they lived, when they lived,
their significant contributions to the period known as the Enlightenment.
3. Key idea/concept (what is this person known for saying/writing?):
4. What did your philosopher think about how government should work?
5. What did your philosopher think about human nature/rights?
6. What was your philosopher’s impact on the rise of democratic principles?
7. What did you use for sources for your information (minimum two sources)?
8. Reflect on your philosopher’s contributions. Are they reflected in every day life in America today?
How?