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Who were the most influential Enlightenment thinkers and why?

Durwood McCaughan

Hey there,

Great question! The Enlightenment was a period in history from the mid-17th to the late 18th century where thinkers and scholars emerged with new ideas and philosophies that challenged the traditional ways of thinking about society and government. Here are my top picks for the influential Enlightenment thinkers and why they made such an impact.

1. John Locke: Locke is considered the father of modern empiricism, which is the belief that all knowledge is derived from experience. He believed that people have natural rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property, and that these rights should be protected by the government. His ideas greatly influenced the founding of the United States and the development of the modern social contract theory.

2. Voltaire: Voltaire was a French philosopher who believed in individual freedom, religious tolerance, and free speech. He was a strong critic of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church and believed that reason and rationality should guide human behavior. His advocacy for free speech and human rights has had a lasting impact on modern-day democracies.

3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau believed that people were naturally good but had become corrupted by the institutions of society. He advocated for a society based on the "general will" of the people and believed that governments should be formed to protect the common good. His ideas on democracy and social contract theory influenced the French Revolution and the development of modern political philosophy.

4. Adam Smith: Smith is known as the father of modern economics and believed in the importance of the free market and capitalism. He argued that the invisible hand of the market would lead to a more prosperous society, as individuals pursuing their self-interest would increase competition and drive innovation. His ideas on economic freedom and competition have greatly influenced modern-day economics.

5. Immanuel Kant: Kant believed that the human mind was capable of understanding the world around us through reason and logic. He believed that there were moral principles that were universal and that everyone should follow, regardless of their personal desires or beliefs. His ideas on moral philosophy and the categorical imperative have influenced modern-day ethical thinking.

All of these thinkers made significant contributions to the Enlightenment period, and their ideas continue to shape modern-day societies around the world. Their belief in individual freedom, reason, and democracy have greatly influenced the development of modern democracies, and their ideas on economic freedom and social contract theory have shaped modern-day capitalism. The Enlightenment was a time of great change and progress, and these thinkers were at the forefront of this revolutionary movement.

Hope this helps!

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