Enlightenment Primary Source
Directions: Read each of the primary source selections you are assigned and answer the questions IN
YOUR OWN WORDS.
“The Leviathan” Hobbes
1. What does Hobbes mean when he says “…yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as
themselves”?
2. What does this quote mean “And therefore if any two men desire the same thing which
nevertheless they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies”?
3. Why does Hobbes believe war exist and what is his definition of war?
“Of Civil Government” Locke
1. What is the natural state of man according to Locke?
2. What does this quote mean” for men are all the workmanship of one omnipotent and infinitely
wise Maker: all the servants of one sovereign master, sent into the world by his order, and
about his business…
3. What does Locke mean by this quote “Men living together according to reason, without a
common superior on earth, with authority to judge between them is properly the state of
nature”
4. Compare Hobbes view of men with Locke’s using quotations to support your opinion.
“The Spirit of the Laws” Montesquieu
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why does Montesquieu believe laws are necessary? Use quotes to support your opinion
How should laws be created according to Montesquieu? Use quotes to support your opinion
How much liberty should be allowed for these laws according to Montesquieu?
What does Montesquieu believe about men entrusted with power?
Why does Montesquieu not wanted one person to have legislative and executive powers?
The Social Contract”
1. What does Rousseau believe about the strength and freedom of men? Use quotes to support
answer.
2. What is the fundamental problem which the social contract frees man from? Use quotes to
support answer
3. What does Rousseau mean by this “that whoever refuses to obey the general will shall be
constrained to do so by the whole body”?