Question

Explain the role of thinkers and philosphers in the french revolution

Answer 1

The 18th century witnessed the emergence of revolutionary thinkers such as John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu. They didn't play an active role in the events of the revolution but their ideas inspired the revolutionary movement. Their revolutionary ideas encouraged people to fight for their rights.The idea of a society based on freedom, equal laws and opportunities for all were put forward by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. In his book Two Treatises of Government, Locke sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch.
Rousseau carried his radical ideas forward by proposing a form of government based on the social contract between people and their representatives.
Montesquieu, in his book, The Spirit of the Laws proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.
Voltaire's ideas revolved around individual liberties. He believed that people should have freedom of expression.
The ideas of these philosophers were discussed and debated in salons and coffee houses and spread among people through books and newspapers. This founded the way to the revolution of 1789.


The idea of a society based on freedom, equal laws and opportunities for all were put forward by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. In his book Two Treatises of Government, Locke sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch.

Rousseau carried his radical ideas forward by proposing a form of government based on the social contract between people and their representatives.

Montesquieu, in his book, The Spirit of the Laws proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.

Voltaire's ideas revolved around individual liberties. He believed that people should have freedom of expression.

The ideas of these philosophers were discussed and debated in salons and coffee houses and spread among people through books and newspapers. This founded the way to the revolution of 1789.