2007-03-27 16:34:38 · 3 answers · asked by $ucram 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
www.wikipedia.com...you should find your answer there.
2007-03-27 18:18:02 · answer #1 · answered by Hi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The enlightenment brought forth the idea of freedom of the individual and that he has certain rights as given from above.
At the same time Thomas Hobbs brought forward the idea that the basic trait of man was self-preservation and that man formed communities to enable men to protect themselves.
The combination of these two ideas in the basis for governments as a whole. It seems that man is tending towards Hobbs' ideas even more as each day goes along.....Look at the "safety net" for all people and univeral medical care. As we look for more protection from the government, we have to give up more of our freedom.
2007-03-28 09:41:04 · answer #2 · answered by scotishbob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During the enlightenment the idea was to get the government to represent the people by acknowledging their "unalienable" rights.
Today political thought has shifted to handing over your rights to the government in exchange for "your own safety."
2007-03-28 01:09:59 · answer #3 · answered by Isaac Brock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋