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The '''philosophes'''  in the 18th century were French intellectuals whose ideas formed the core of [[Enlightenment]] thought. The principal figures involved were [[Montesquieu]], [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot]], [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]], [[Condillac]], [[Alembert]],[[D'holbach]], [[Turgot]], and [[Condorcet]].  

The '''philosophes'''  in the 18th century were French intellectuals whose ideas formed the core of [[Enlightenment]] thought. The principal figures involved were [[Montesquieu]], [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot]], [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]], [[Condillac]], [[Alembert]],[[D'holbach]], [[Turgot]], and [[Condorcet]]. There were many others as well.

==Influence==

==Influence==

In religion the philosophes encouraged toleration and skepticism; in politics their writings often reflected and furthered [[republicanism]] and the democratic spirit.  

In religion the philosophes encouraged toleration and skepticism; in politics their writings often reflected and furthered [[republicanism]] and the democratic spirit.  

 

The American [[Founding Fathers]] read their work closely and adopted many of their ideas. Montesquieu in particular influenced American [[republicanism]]. In turn they followed American events, often with the personal encouragement of [[Benjamin Franklin]] and admired the [[American Revolution]]

The American [[Founding Fathers]] read their work closely and adopted many of their ideas. Montesquieu in particular influenced American [[republicanism]]. In turn philosophes followed American events, often with the personal encouragement of [[Benjamin Franklin]] and [[Thomas Jefferson]]; most greatly admired the [[American Revolution]]

 

The philosophes had a great influence on the [[French Revolution]]. The doctrines of natural law which they helped to popularize, were codified in the French [[Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen]] (1789) and in the American [[Bill of Rights]] (1791).  

The philosophes had a great influence on the [[French Revolution]]. The doctrines of natural law which they helped to popularize, were codified in the French [[Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen]] (1789) and in the American [[Bill of Rights]] (1791). By the time the French Revolution turned radical, the philosophes had lost their influence.  Some were executed or died in prison, including Jacques Pierre Brissot (1754 – 1793), [[Condorcet]], [[Olympe de Gouges]], and [[Antoine Lavoisier]].  

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Enlightenment]]

* [[Enlightenment]]