John Locke: Locke was a key figure in the Enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and the social contract theory. He believed that all individuals had natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that government should protect these rights. He also advocated for limited government and the right of individuals to rebel against unjust rulers.
Voltaire: Voltaire was a French philosopher and writer who championed freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and political liberty. He was critical of organized religion and absolutist rule, and advocated for a more enlightened and rational society. He believed in the power of reason and education to improve society and promote social progress.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau was a Swiss philosopher and writer who is best known for his ideas on the social contract and the importance of individual freedom. He believed that society corrupts individuals, and that people are inherently good in their natural state. He argued for a more egalitarian society with a focus on the common good and the general will of the people.
Montesquieu: Montesquieu was a French political philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers in government. He believed that dividing political power among different branches of government could prevent tyranny and protect individual freedoms. His work influenced the development of modern democratic systems and the idea of checks and balances in government.
Mary Wollstonecraft: Wollstonecraft was an English writer and early feminist who argued for women's rights and equality. She believed that women should have the same educational and political opportunities as men, and criticized the traditional roles and expectations placed on women in society. Wollstonecraft's work laid the foundation for the later women's rights movement and the push for gender equality.