The philosophes' concern for liberty did not lead them to embrace democracy with the notable exception of
A) Voltaire.
B) Rousseau.
C) Locke.
D) Paine.
E) Diderot.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rousseau was the only one of the listed philosophes who embraced democracy as the best form of government. While the others valued individual liberty, they often saw democracy as a potential threat to stability and order. Locke, for instance, believed in a limited government with checks and balances, while Voltaire supported enlightened despotism, and Diderot believed in a mix of aristocracy and meritocracy. Only Paine came close to Rousseau's embrace of democracy, advocating for the sovereignty of the people in his political writings.

The Philosophes' Concern for Liberty Did Not Lead Them to Embrace