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John LockeEnglish philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.
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Thomas HobbesBelieves people are naturally cruel, greedy, and must be controlled by a strict government
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Voltaire(1694-1778) French philosopher. He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government. He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church. Championed Deism - religion based on reason and natural law
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau(1712-1778) Believed that society threatened natural rights and freedoms. . Wrote "The Social Contract."
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MontesquieuHe believed in a system of checks and balances in the government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
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DiderotWrote the Encyclopedia (the first version of Google) :)
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Mary WollstonecraftBritish feminist of the eighteenth century who argued for women's equality with men, even in voting, in her 1792 "Vindication of the Rights of Women." Because women have reason, they have the same rights as men do.
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Adam SmithWrote "A Wealth of Nations" and believes supply and demand should regulate business. Followed laissez-faire. Made 3 basic roles for the government (protect country from invasion, defend citizens from injustice, and keep up with public works ((roads, canals, etc.)) ).
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Cesare BeccariaArgued punishments should not be exercises of brutality. Opposed capital punishment. Did not believe that it stopped others from committing crimes. It set example for barbarism.
