The Age of Enlightenment
Challenging Ideas
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The Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment brought influential thinkers whose ideas inspired change, notably those of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
John Locke
Locke influenced many Western cultural values through his Social Contract Theory, which claimed people have the rights of life, liberty, and property. These natural rights later inspired those in the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes' challenge of traditional monarchies based on divine right to rule was an important element of Enlightenment thought. He did believe, however, in a strong central authority that maintained order for the citizens.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau's version of Social Contract Theory was based on the idea that true power lies with the people who are ruled. His ideas inspired modern democratic ideals and political changes.
In Rousseau's version of the Social Contract Theory, true power lay with ___________.
the people who are ruled
the absolutist monarch
colonial powers