Enlightenment Thinkers and Concepts

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What was the Enlightenment?

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An intellectual movement in Europe emphasizing reason and logic to improve society, directly affecting thoughts on government.

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What is the State of Nature?

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The way of life for humans before the existence of government.

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What is the Social Contract?

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An agreement between humans and government outlining the duties and responsibilities of each party.

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What did Thomas Hobbes believe about the State of Nature?

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He believed it was terrible and that human nature was unkind.

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What did Thomas Hobbes believe about the Social Contract?

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He believed it did not provide rights to the people.

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What type of government did Thomas Hobbes support?

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Authoritative governments.

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What did Rousseau believe people gave up in the Social Contract?

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Their natural rights to have their freedoms protected.

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What did Rousseau believe about people?

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People are born free and equal.

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What type of government did Rousseau support?

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Direct democracy, as it best reflects the will of the people.

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What did Locke believe about human nature?

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Humans were born naturally good.