Absolutism Locke Voltaire and Wollstonecraft

Absolutism, as a political theory, says that one ruler should have all the power over the state and its people. But, some smart folks like John Locke, Voltaire, and Mary Wollstonecraft didn't agree with that. They had different ideas about how things should be run and what rights people should have. Let's take a look at what each of them thought and how their ideas have influenced modern politics.

John Locke

John Locke, a British philosopher, thought that everyone should have rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that the government's job was to protect these rights, not to control everything. In his book "Two Treatises of Government," Locke said that the government only has power if the people agree to it. He also said that people can rebel against a bad ruler, which goes against Absolutism's idea of total control. Locke's ideas helped shape the idea of limited government and democracy, which were big deals in movements like the American and French Revolutions.

Voltaire

On the other hand, Voltaire, a French Enlightenment thinker, wasn't a fan of Absolutism either. He believed in freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and keeping church and state separate. In his writings like "Candide" and "Philosophical Dictionary," he criticized Absolutist rulers for being too oppressive and not letting people have their own opinions. Voltaire thought that reason, tolerance, and freedom were super important, which clashed with Absolutism's strict rules and censorship. His ideas from the Enlightenment still influence discussions about civil rights and freedom today.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft, an early feminist writer, also had beef with Absolutism. She argued in her book "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" that women were just as smart and capable as men, and should have the same rights and opportunities. By challenging the old-fashioned ideas about women and pushing for equality, Wollstonecraft was basically saying, "Hey, Absolutism, you're not treating everyone fairly!" Her ideas laid the groundwork for the feminist movement and made people think more about gender equality and social justice.

Conclusion

In the end, Absolutism, Locke, Voltaire, and Wollstonecraft all had different ideas about how things should be run. While Absolutism liked the idea of one person having all the power, the others believed in individual rights, reason, and equality. Their ideas have shaped how we think about democracy, civil rights, and fairness in society. By looking at what these smart thinkers had to say, we can get a better understanding of how power, governance, and human rights all fit together.