Philosophes of the Enlightenment
Diderot (1713-1784) Attempts to form first Encyclopedia First attempt to do so by anyone Completed encyclopedia Encyclopedia, or a systematic dictionary of the sciences, arts, and crafts Had over 70,000 articles Montesquieu (1689-1755) French Aristocrat Opposed Absolutism Admired the British Gov. Admired the Middle Ages Saw need for organized religion Government according to climate Closer to Equator, the worse the government gets Separation of Powers Executive, Legislative, Judicial Colonists Take To It Freedom from Tyranny Voltaire (1694-1778) Biting Sarcastic Enduring Wit Most Popular of all Philosophes Easy to Read Willing to be critical of state Thrown in Prison Time in Prison influenced writing Loved Louis XIV for being champion of the Arts Enemy of Intolerance