What concept did the Enlightenment thinkers collectively advocate for in contrast to absolute rule?

Enlightenment thinkers collectively advocated for liberty and equality as a direct counter to the principles of absolute rule. This period, which spanned from the late 17th century to the 18th century, was characterized by a focus on individual rights, social contracts, and the belief that governments should be based on the consent of the governed. Philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of natural rights, which included the rights to life, liberty, and property, as fundamental to human existence.

These ideas directly opposed the notion of absolute rule, where a single ruler holds supreme authority often justified by divine right. Instead, Enlightenment thinkers argued that legitimate government arises from the will of the people and should protect the freedoms and equality of individuals. This shift laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and revolutions that sought to establish more egalitarian societies, reflecting a strong belief in personal freedoms over authoritarian control.