What role did philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau play during the Enlightenment?

Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau played a critical role in shaping modern political thought during the Enlightenment by introducing and advocating for concepts related to social contracts and democracy. Locke's theories emphasized the importance of individual rights, liberty, and the notion that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. He argued that people have the right to overthrow a government that does not protect these rights.

Rousseau further developed these ideas by positing that in order to form a legitimate political community, citizens must enter into a social contract, which involves collective decision-making and the prioritization of the general will. This emphasis on democracy and the collective agreement of the populace laid a foundational framework for modern democratic societies, highlighting the importance of participation and representation in governance.

These ideas were revolutionary at the time and significantly influenced the development of democratic principles that continue to be foundational in many governments today. The emphasis on social contracts fundamentally challenged the existing notions of absolute authority, highlighting the shift from monarchy and aristocracy towards more egalitarian forms of government.