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Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was a Prussian philosopher whose work 'Critique of Pure Reason' is considered one of the cornerstones of modern Western philosophy. He developed the theory of transcendental idealism and championed the moral philosophy of deontology, arguing that ethical actions are those performed out of duty.

David Hume (1711–1776) was a Scottish philosopher whose skepticism and empiricism challenged the dogmatic orthodoxy of his day. His notable works include 'A Treatise of Human Nature' and 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.' He is best known for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) was a polymath and philosopher who developed the ideas of optimism, pre-established harmony, and the identity of indiscernibles. He is noted for his discovery of the differential and integral calculus, independently of Isaac Newton, and his philosophical works, such as 'Monadology', which introduced the concept of monads.

John Locke (1632–1704), an English philosopher and physician, is known as the 'Father of Liberalism.' He postulated the tabula rasa theory of the mind and laid the groundwork for modern theories of identity and personal identity. His works on government, such as 'Two Treatises of Government,' influenced many enlightenment thinkers, including the founding fathers of the United States.

Voltaire (1694–1778) was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher who was famous for his wit and criticism of the Catholic Church. He was an advocate of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state. His philosophical letters on England introduced the English system of government and philosophies to Continental Europe.

Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677) was a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Sephardi origin. One of the early thinkers of the Enlightenment and modern biblical criticism, including the ideas of pantheism, Spinoza was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam. His magnum opus, 'Ethics,' demonstrated a fully geometric method to philosophy.

Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689–1755), was a French judge, man of letters, and political philosopher. He is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many constitutions around the world. His most influential work is 'The Spirit of the Laws'.

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an English philosopher who is considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. Hobbes is best known for his book 'Leviathan' (1651) and his social contract theory, which established the foundation for most of Western political philosophy from the perspective of social contractarianism.

Denis Diderot (1713–1784) was a French philosopher, art critic, and writer who was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment. He is best known for serving as co-founder, chief editor, and contributor to the Encyclopédie. Diderot's philosophical writings included thoughts on free will, knowledge, and the relation between the individual and society.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a Genevan philosopher who influenced the progress of the Enlightenment throughout Europe with works such as 'Emile, or On Education' and 'The Social Contract.' His political philosophy heavily influenced the French Revolution, as well as the development of modern political, sociological, and educational thought.

Adam Smith (1723–1790) was a Scottish moral philosopher, pioneer of political economy, and key Enlightenment figure. His most famous works are 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' and 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,' the latter often shortened to 'The Wealth of Nations,' which is considered the first modern work of economics.