Your essay is to have three paragraphs. The first paragraph explains the ideas of each Thinker. The second paragraph explains how the ideas changed or challenged governments. The third paragraph explains how the ideas have impacted our world today for the Absolutism and Enlightenment

Answer 1

Absolutism and Enlightenment were two major intellectual movements that shaped European political thinking during the 17th and 18th centuries. Absolutism, championed by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, argued for a strong, centralized monarchy with absolute power. Hobbes believed that individuals were naturally selfish and needed a powerful ruler to maintain order and prevent chaos. On the other hand, Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke believed in the importance of individual rights and limited government power. Locke's ideas of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, laid the foundation for modern concepts of democracy and human rights.

The ideas of Absolutism and Enlightenment challenged governments in significant ways. Absolutist rulers used thinkers like Hobbes to justify their absolute authority and control over their subjects. This led to the consolidation of power in the hands of monarchs and the suppression of dissent. However, Enlightenment ideas posed a challenge to these absolute monarchies by advocating for the rights of individuals and limitations on government power. This ultimately led to revolutions and the establishment of democracies in countries like the United States and France.

The impact of Absolutism and Enlightenment can still be felt in our world today. The principles of individual rights and limited government power espoused by Enlightenment thinkers continue to shape modern democracies and the protection of human rights. Conversely, the legacy of Absolutism can be seen in authoritarian regimes that still exist around the world, where rulers exercise unchecked power over their citizens. Overall, these two competing ideologies have left a lasting imprint on the political landscape and continue to influence debates about governance and political theory.