Dylan Alvarez

T/R 3rd period

2-21-17

The Emergence of Individual Freedom

Would you die for your freedom? John Locke, an English philosopher, would in the late

17th century. He is just one of the great philosophers from the late 17th and early 18th century

who would do anything for the sake of freedom. In Europe during this time people called

philosophers analyzed human activities such as government, religion, the economy, and the

social role of women. John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft who were all

philosophers believed that to improve society, the people deserved individual freedom.

John Locke was an advocate of individual freedom in government. When the

government is dissolved, the people are at liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a new

legislative... What Locke means by this is when the government has broken down the people

have the right to elect people who will be in government positions. Locke disagrees with the idea

of a government monarchy and the people should be in charge and have a democracy. Despite

John Lockes beliefs, Voltaire was an advocate of individual freedom in religion.

Voltaire was a supporter of individual freedom in religion. Voltaire believed that religion

in society is very important for a government to run smoothly. If one religion only were allowed

in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary Voltaire essential meaning

by this is if the English government only allowed one type of religion the government would

become disoriented and unhinged. Voltaire embraced religious tolerance, however it would be a

man from Scotland who would bring ideas of economic individual freedom.
 Dylan Alvarez

T/R 3rd period

2-21-17

Adam Smith an advocate of individual economic freedom. Smith believed that most

individuals work to pursue their own personal interest. Smith did not support the economic

system which was mercantilism at the time but he supported individual decision making. He

believed that people were going to sell and buy what people wanted and needed in society. Smith

believed that people should make their own economic decisions without government

intervention. Adam Smith embraced economic tolerance, nonetheless a woman who stood for the

natural rights of women would deliver ideas of the social role of women.

Mary Wollstonecraft a supporter of individual women right. Wollstonecraft believe that

women are made inferior by ignorance and low desires. Wollstonecraft believed the reason

women were not treated equal in society during the time is because women did not have an

opportunity for education. Make them free, and they will quickly become wise and virtuous.

The essence Wollstonecraft meant by this was if you make women free from the put down of

society women will become intelligent and resourceful. Wollstonecraft influence with gender

equality would help generation to come.

John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft all believed in individual

freedom. John Locke believing in government freedom, Voltaire with religious freedom, Adam

Smith with economic freedom, and last but not least Mary Wollstonecraft with gender equality.

Without these people and their ideas our society would be different, they stood for the people

and the people being equal. Hopefully we can keep living on keeping these beliefs in our society

and improve them.