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Developed the concepts of natural rights, consent of the governed, and social contract. Emphasized the importance of life, liberty, and property, which influenced the American and French revolutions.

A fierce critic of the Catholic Church and a champion of freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state. Notable for his wit and advocacy for civil liberties.

Famous for the concept of separation of powers in government, as outlined in 'Spirit of the Laws', which profoundly influenced modern democratic political systems.

Proposed ideas about individual freedom and the idea that sovereignty lies with the people. Authored 'The Social Contract,' which suggests that government is a contract between rulers and the people.

Known for his work 'Leviathan,' which postulated the necessity of a strong central authority to avoid the chaos of the state of nature. Introduced the idea that the social contract implied absolute sovereignty.

Chief editor of the 'Encyclopédie,' which aimed to gather and disseminate Enlightenment ideas. Advocated for knowledge, secularism, and the questioning of authority.

The father of modern economics, known for 'The Wealth of Nations.' Advocated for free markets and the idea of an 'invisible hand' guiding economic prosperity.

Key figure in metaphysics and ethics, who introduced ideas such as the categorical imperative. Urged individuals to act according to universalizable principles.

Philosopher who introduced radical skepticism, especially concerning causation and induction, and ideas of empiricism and naturalism.

Advocate for women's rights; in 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,' she argued that women are not naturally inferior to men and deserve the same education and opportunities.

Criminologist and economist who promoted criminal justice reform in 'On Crimes and Punishments.' Argued against torture and capital punishment, advocating for just and reasonable laws.

Promoted the idea of progress and the perfectibility of mankind, advocating for educational reform and women's rights.

A polymath who inspired transcendentalism with his mystical writings and theologically influenced the concept of human and divine interaction.

Founder of utilitarianism, proposing that government actions should be aimed at achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

See Baron de Montesquieu.

A writer and philosopher known for his work in the German Enlightenment and promotion of religious tolerance through plays like 'Nathan the Wise.'

An economist who put forward ideas about free trade and the limitations of government intervention in the economy.

Considered the father of modern chemistry, he deconstructed the phlogiston theory and introduced a new chemical nomenclature.

One of the founding fathers of Physiocracy, which is an economic theory that emphasizes the importance of natural order and agriculture to a nation's wealth.

See Marquis de Condorcet.

A key figure in German literature who contributed to a wide range of subjects, including the Sturm und Drang literary movement, and valued emotional expression over rational thought in his works.

A German playwright and poet who focused on aesthetic education and the moral benefit of art, emphasizing the ideal of beauty.

An American polymath who embodied Enlightenment principles in his writings, inventions, and political activity. Advocate for civic virtue and practical wisdom.

An English poet known for his satirical verse and translation of Homer; his work includes critiques of contemporary society and commentary on the human condition.