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The Enlightenment: Voltaire & Montesquieu

The Enlightenment: Voltaire & Montesquieu. What contributions do Voltaire & Montesquieu make to Western Democracy?. The Philosophes of France. 1700s: The Enlightenment spreads to France

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The Enlightenment: Voltaire & Montesquieu

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  1. The Enlightenment:Voltaire & Montesquieu What contributions do Voltaire & Montesquieu make to Western Democracy?

  2. The Philosophes of France • 1700s: The Enlightenmentspreads to France • French social critics known as the Philosophes, questioned absolute rule, believed reason should be used in all aspects of life • Core beliefs incl: Reason, Nature, Happiness, Progress, Liberty Voltaire • 1694-1778, born in France • Voltaire is pen name, real name is Francois Arouet • Believed in freedom of expression & civil liberties • Wrote Candide • Influences US Bill of Rights – 1st Amendment (freedom rights)

  3. Voltaire published many works & used satire against his opponents, making fun of the church, nobles & French Govt. (King) • Voltaire saw his pen as a weapon in a “thinkers war”, fighting for reason & freedom of expression & against intolerance & superstition • His most famous quote is “I don’t agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it”. Baron de Montesquieu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e4vFMJmBIc • 1689-1755, born in France • Real name was Charles-Louis de Secondat • Believed in separation of powers • Wrote: The Spirit of Laws • Influences US Constitution Articles I-III (Three Branches), idea of checks & balances

  4. Montesquieu studied politics and government, concluded power held by one man is dangerous • Argues Britain had best form of Govt – they used three branches • Argues each branch should have separate powers and the ability to check each other (separation of powers/checks & balances) • He wrote that “power should be a check to power” Reflection: Which do you feel is more important, freedom rights or separating power? Give at least two examples as evidence

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