How did Enlightenment thinking influence the modern concept of human rights?

Enlightenment thinking significantly shaped the modern concept of human rights, particularly through its emphasis on individual rights and human dignity. Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire, argued that all individuals possess inherent rights by virtue of their humanity. This idea challenged the traditional views of authority and governance, suggesting that individuals should have the freedom to speak, think, and act according to their own will, as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others.

This emphasis on individual rights laid the groundwork for the development of key human rights documents, such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in France and the U.S. Declaration of Independence. These documents reflect Enlightenment ideals by asserting that governments are established to protect these rights and that individuals have the right to change or overthrow a government that fails to do so. Thus, the notion of human dignity became a core principle of modern human rights, influencing various movements and legal frameworks aimed at promoting and protecting these rights globally.