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2-21-17
Would you die for your freedom? John Locke, an English philosopher, would in the late
17th century. He is just one of the great philosophers from the late 17th and early 18th century
who would do anything for the sake of freedom. In Europe during this time people called
philosophers analyzed human activities such as government, religion, the economy, and the
social role of women. John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft who were all
philosophers believed that to improve society, the people deserved individual freedom.
government is dissolved, the people are at liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a new
legislative... What Locke means by this is when the government has broken down the people
have the right to elect people who will be in government positions. Locke disagrees with the idea
of a government monarchy and the people should be in charge and have a democracy. Despite
Voltaire was a supporter of individual freedom in religion. Voltaire believed that religion
in society is very important for a government to run smoothly. If one religion only were allowed
in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary Voltaire essential meaning
by this is if the English government only allowed one type of religion the government would
become disoriented and unhinged. Voltaire embraced religious tolerance, however it would be a
man from Scotland who would bring ideas of economic individual freedom.
Dylan Alvarez
2-21-17
Adam Smith an advocate of individual economic freedom. Smith believed that most
individuals work to pursue their own personal interest. Smith did not support the economic
system which was mercantilism at the time but he supported individual decision making. He
believed that people were going to sell and buy what people wanted and needed in society. Smith
believed that people should make their own economic decisions without government
intervention. Adam Smith embraced economic tolerance, nonetheless a woman who stood for the
natural rights of women would deliver ideas of the social role of women.
women are made inferior by ignorance and low desires. Wollstonecraft believed the reason
women were not treated equal in society during the time is because women did not have an
opportunity for education. Make them free, and they will quickly become wise and virtuous.
The essence Wollstonecraft meant by this was if you make women free from the put down of
society women will become intelligent and resourceful. Wollstonecraft influence with gender
John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft all believed in individual
freedom. John Locke believing in government freedom, Voltaire with religious freedom, Adam
Smith with economic freedom, and last but not least Mary Wollstonecraft with gender equality.
Without these people and their ideas our society would be different, they stood for the people
and the people being equal. Hopefully we can keep living on keeping these beliefs in our society