The enlightenment was a European era in which scholars began to reject the ideas and beliefs of the authority and the Church, and started to think for themselves. ... Unlike Hobbes' dim view of human nature, John Locke believed that all humans are born a blank slate that is shaped by one's experiences, and advocated that humans should be governed by a representative democracy that protects their three fundamental rights to life, liberty, and property. ...

• Word Count: 907
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate