The French Revolution was an event that drastically changed the course of history. It was a period of social and political upheaval that lasted for over a decade. The revolution was influenced by a number of factors, including the ideas of philosophers who had long been advocating for political and social reform. In this article, we will discuss the role of philosophers in the French Revolution.


1. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau was a philosopher, writer, and composer who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his works on political philosophy, including "The Social Contract" and "Discourse on Inequality."

2. Voltaire: Voltaire was a writer, philosopher, and historian who lived in the 18th century. He is famous for his wit, his criticism of the Catholic Church, and his advocacy for freedom of speech.

3. Montesquieu: Montesquieu was a French philosopher, lawyer, and social commentator who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his work "The Spirit of the Laws," in which he discusses the principles of government and the separation of powers.

4. Denis Diderot: Diderot was a writer, philosopher, and art critic who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his work as the editor-in-chief of the "Encyclopédie," a comprehensive encyclopedia of knowledge.


1. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau's ideas about the social contract and the sovereignty of the people were influential in the French Revolution. His concept of the general will, which holds that the will of the people is always in the best interest of the community, was used to justify the revolution.

2. Voltaire: Voltaire's ideas about freedom of speech and religion were instrumental in the French Revolution. His criticism of the Catholic Church and his advocacy for religious tolerance helped to pave the way for the separation of church and state.

3. Montesquieu: Montesquieu's ideas about the separation of powers and the principles of government were influential in the French Revolution. His work "The Spirit of the Laws" helped to inspire the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

4. Denis Diderot: Diderot's work as the editor-in-chief of the "Encyclopédie" was influential in the French Revolution. The encyclopedia was a comprehensive collection of knowledge that challenged traditional authority and helped to spread the ideas of the Enlightenment.


The philosophers of the Enlightenment played an important role in the French Revolution. Their ideas about political and social reform helped to inspire the revolution and shape its course. The French Revolution was a turning point in history, and the ideas of these philosophers continue to influence political and social movements today.