Enlightened Absolute Monarch Essay

An enlightened absolute monarch is a term used to describe a monarch who has accepted the thoughts of the philosophes. The philosophes were known for their modern way of thinking, which often pushed the boundaries of the old rules and laws. For example, they would argue against the how the government was controlled. Some believed that several people should govern the territories and law should be made into a legislature rather than by one ruler, the monarch. This enlightened way of thinking would allow the power to be spread amongst several, which would create balance. It would also reflect the needs of the people better because more focus could be allowed towards them. Some monarchs, such as Catherine the Great, found this approach fascinating.