Enlightenment thinkers.
Definition
The philosophers and writers of the 17th-18th centuries who championed reason, liberty, and reform. Their ideas about government by consent, natural rights, and separation of powers became the intellectual foundation for modern democratic governments.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 John Locke arguing that government must protect life, liberty, and property
- 2 Montesquieu proposing separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches
- 3 Rousseau's social contract theory stating that government derives authority from the people