The Division of Powers - Montesquieu's Theory of Separation of Powers

Explore the influential ideas of Montesquieu in this 44-minute lecture from Yale University's "Foundations of Modern Social Thought" course. Delve into the shift from 17th-century English methodological individualism to 18th-century French methodological collectivism. Examine Montesquieu's focus on law and governance, his concept of the general will, and his argument for the separation of powers that influenced the U.S. Constitution. Learn about his classification of governments and his pioneering consideration of how climate and environment affect individuals and society. Discover the major themes of "The Spirit of the Laws" and gain insights into Montesquieu's historical context and lasting impact on social and political thought.