Enlightenment Philosophers
Definition
Enlightenment Philosophers were thinkers during the 17th and 18th centuries who promoted ideas about reason, science, individual rights, and progress. Their ideas greatly influenced democratic thought and political structures around the world.
Related terms
John Locke: An influential Enlightenment philosopher who argued for natural rights - life, liberty, property - that should be protected by government.
Social Contract Theory: The belief that people live together in society under an implicit agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior; this idea was popularized by philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau during the Enlightenment period.
Separation of Powers: An idea championed by Montesquieu suggesting governmental powers should be divided among separate branches to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute power.
"Enlightenment Philosophers" appears in:
Subjects (2)
AP European History
AP World History: Modern
Study guides (1)
AP US Government - 1.1 Ideals of Democracy
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About Us
About Fiveable
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Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.