Influential Political Philosophies of Montesquieu and Rousseau
Baron de Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were influential political philosophers whose ideas on government, society, and power continue to shape political thought. Montesquieu advocated for limited monarchy and the separation of powers to prevent abuse and corruption. Rousseau, on the other hand, emphasized the social contract and the importance of individual freedom in governance.
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MONTESQUIEU & ROUSSEAU AIM: How did the political philosophies of Montesquieu and Rousseau influence later political thought?
CREATE A THE T CHART BELOW AND USE IT TO ENTER YOUR NOTES Rousseau Montesquieu
Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) Background: Denied wealth as a child, inherited power and title from a rich uncle Used position at French Academy of Sciences to study and criticize governments Book: The Persian Letters
Montesquieu Views on Society: Considered the French government to be too lavish Believed that religion corrupted governments, especially Christianity Considered women to be weak, but valuable participants in political process Approved of slavery and the natural inequality of the races
Montesquieu Views on Government: Believed in secular, but ethical, governments Considered limited monarchy to be the most stable government Separation of powers essential to stop abuse and corruption=Checks and Balances Participation based on educated
Montesquieu Quotes I can assure you that no kingdom has ever had as many evil wars as the kingdom of Christ. When the (lawmaking) and law-enforcing powers are united in the same person there can be no liberty. "In republican governments, men are all equal; equal they are also in despotic governments: in the former, because they are everything; in the latter, because they are nothing."
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Background: Born in Switzerland, but fled to Paris to avoid a duel Spent most his time in the salons in Paris, philosophizing Spent most of his life very poor, but earned some money as a houseboy Was supposed to send his money to Geneva (to his wife and kids) but didn t Got chased out of Paris, and into a cave where he died of a respiratory disease, by his wife Book: The Social Contract
Rousseau Views on Society: All humans are born free, independent and good People would naturally life happily Modern society corrupts people Focus on industry (dehumanized labor) Focus on money making Focus on technology Society makes people unhappy
Rousseau Views on Government: Best political unit is small Best government is a direct democracy, with decisions made by simple majority (of men) All decisions made locally, according to the needs of the community Considered elected executives necessary Believed that government should protect freedom
Rousseau Quote Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Background: Born in Switzerland, but fled to Paris to avoid a duel Spent most his time in the salons in Paris, philosophizing Spent most of his life very poor, but earned some money as a houseboy Was supposed to send his money to Geneva (to his wife and kids) but didn t Got chased out of Paris, and into a cave where he died of a respiratory disease, by his wife Book: The Social Contract
Rousseau Views on Society: All humans are born free, independent and good People would naturally life happily Modern society corrupts people Focus on industry (dehumanized labor) Focus on money making Focus on technology Society makes people unhappy
HOMEWORK DUE MON 3/9 In a brief essay (3 - 5 paragraphs) use your notes to explain which of the two philosophers(Montesquieu or Rousseau), in your opinion was the most important in the history of political philosophy.
