How Did Rousseau Contribute To The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a period in history in which individuals theorized about what the purpose was for humankind without utilizing religion. It commenced after the ending of the Scientific Revolution and was influenced by it as well. Various ideas and theories were established during this time. Numerous figures helped to reform different ideas and beliefs during the Enlightenment. Figures such as John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau helped to direct the purpose and flourishment of the Enlightenment. One of the most influential thinkers during the Enlightenment was John Locke. John Locke was the respective founder and main advocate during this time. He published his ideas in his book called Treatise on Government. Locke asked what is the purpose of the government and stated that it was to “protect the natural rights

One reason was John Locke’s ideas were established as viewpoints from the people. He stated that the government duty is to protect the rights of the citizens. However, Montesquieu and Rousseau proposed their ideas in order to equalize power between each branch of government. They also theorized that the government should allow the people to suggest what they should decide. Furthermore, Locke influenced these two other political philosophers to create their theories and they were based off of his ideas as well. Rousseau's ideas stated that sovereignty should be from the people, not from God.Montesquieu’s ideas did not involve the power of the people in government, but the actual balance of power in the government’s system. Rousseau elaborated Locke’s ideas and then established his own ideas. Rousseau and Montesquieu based their beliefs on John Locke’s theories because he originally began developing theories in the context of the government first. Therefore, John Locke was more influential during the Enlightenment than Montesquieu and