How did Enlightenment thinkers influence political thought?

Enlightenment thinkers profoundly influenced political thought by promoting the questioning of traditional authority. This movement encouraged individuals to critically examine systems of governance, societal norms, and religious beliefs that had previously gone unchallenged. Notable figures such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau argued for principles like individual rights, liberty, and democracy, moving away from the unquestioned acceptance of monarchies and established institutions.

This push for critical inquiry and skepticism marked a significant departure from earlier political philosophies that had upheld absolute authority and divine right as legitimate grounds for rule. By advocating for reason, empirical evidence, and the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed, Enlightenment thinkers laid the groundwork for modern democratic theories and practices. Their ideas paved the way for revolutions and reforms that emphasized personal freedoms and the pursuit of social justice.