Baron de Montesquieu
supported the Enlightenment idea that people are naturally selfish.
This statement is not entirely accurate. Baron de Montesquieu, a French philosopher and writer during the Enlightenment period, did not specifically argue that people are naturally selfish. Instead, he believed that human beings are driven by self-interest and have selfish tendencies, but also possess the capacity for reason and empathy.
Montesquieu's most significant work, "The Spirit of the Laws," focused on the separation of powers and the idea of checks and balances within a government. He believed that if power was concentrated in one individual or institution, it would inevitably lead to oppression and despotism. By distributing power among different branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, Montesquieu aimed to prevent the abuse of power and protect individual liberties.
Montesquieu's views on human nature were influenced by his observations of various societies and governments. He recognized that people are motivated by self-interest, but he also emphasized the role of reason and moral obligations in shaping their behavior. Montesquieu argued that it is the responsibility of the government to provide a legal framework that encourages individuals to act in the best interest of society. He believed that laws should be fair, just, and based on reason rather than personal or arbitrary desires.
Overall, Montesquieu's philosophy did not view people as inherently selfish but acknowledged their self-interested tendencies while emphasizing the importance of reason and morality in shaping their behavior.