Who were the philosophes?
monarchs who tried to use their power for the good of society
leading political and social writers of the french enlightenment
rulers who supported the monarchy on intellectual grounds
thinkers who believed that knowledge cannot extend past experience

What did the french national assembly decide? peasants would only have to pay one-tenth of their earnings to the catholic church. the government could not legally charge taxes without first holding a vote. aristocrats would still receive special privileges as long as they paid a higher tax. employment would be available to all people, regardless of their social class.