SOAN 2111 Lecture Notes - Montesquieu, History Of Europe, Ideal Type

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology and Anthropology
• Course: SOAN 2111
• Professor: Linda Hunter

Document Summary

Charles-louis baron de montesquieu (1689-1755) separation of powers in government. Voltaire (1964-1778) a novelist and outspoken social critic, a figurehead for the philosophes. Jean jacque rousseau (1712-1778) the best political system is one the reflects the general will of the people. Unity of reason and observation in the scientific method. A better society, a better social arrangement. They were all interest in what is, or what is philosophically possible. Measuring rod of reason philosophes believe they could distinguish those aspects that were reasonable and good from those that were not. All previous knowledge was to be challenged all to be tested and scrutinized and subjected to the test of reason. The twin foundations of authority sustaining the old regime the church and the unenlightened state they wanted to change that i want to enlighten people and criticize the established institutions. Greatest political theorist of the political enlightenment montesquieu -