Who were key figures of the Enlightenment and what were their contributions?

The key figures of the Enlightenment were John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, who each made significant contributions to modern political thought and philosophy.

John Locke is often regarded as the father of liberalism. His ideas about the social contract and natural rights—specifically life, liberty, and property—laid the groundwork for modern democratic governments. Locke argued that governmental authority should be based on the consent of the governed, and if a government failed to protect these rights, citizens had the right to revolt.

Voltaire was a prolific writer and philosopher known for his advocacy of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and free speech. His wit and satirical writing, particularly in works like "Candide," critiqued established religion and government, contributing to the discourse on individual rights and rational thought.

Montesquieu introduced the idea of the separation of powers in government, which significantly influenced the formation of modern democratic systems. In his work "The Spirit of the Laws," he argued that the best way to prevent tyranny and protect liberty was to divide government powers among different branches, each with its own responsibilities.

These Enlightenment thinkers collectively encouraged a move away from absolute monarchies and traditional authority, leading to greater emphasis on reason, individual rights,