Who was John Locke?

John Locke was an influential English philosopher renowned for his contributions to political theory, particularly regarding the concept of natural rights. He is best known for advocating the idea that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which must be respected and protected by the government. His work laid the philosophical foundation for modern liberal democracy and greatly influenced the development of democratic thought and practice.

Locke argued that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, and his ideas significantly shaped the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions. His writings, especially in "Two Treatises of Government," emphasize the importance of individual rights and the role of government in safeguarding these rights, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Western philosophy and political theory.