Question

Highlight the contribution of French Philosophers to the Revolution of 1789

Answer 1

1. There were many notable thinkers and writers in France in eighteenth century.
2. Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau criticized the then existing conditions in France.
3. Voltaire was vehement in his criticism of the Church.
4. His famous quote was: “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
5. Rousseau’s political theory set the minds of many afire with new ideas and new resolves. His ideas played an important part in preparing the people of France for the great revolution.
6. He argued that the laws are binding only when they are supported by the general will of
   the people.
7. Montesquieu defended liberty. He put forward the theory of separation of powers.
8. An Encyclopaedia also came out in Paris about this time and this was full of articles by Diderot and Jean d’Alembert.
9. These philosophers and thinkers, opposed to religious intolerance and political and social privileges, succeeded in provoking large numbers of ordinary people to think and act.