John Locke. . . I think
In my opinion, John Locke was the most influential enlightenment thinker because of his opinions of people's freedoms and government's role in society. His take on the social-contract theory shaped our government and his ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence. He thought the government ruled by permission of the people, and if the government was intruding on our inalienable rights, (life,libery,property) then we have a right to overthrow or change the government.
Voltaire, a prominent Enlightenment thinker, advocated for the abolition of titles of nobility. He believed in meritocracy and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of their birth status. Voltaire argued that a person's worth should be based on their abilities and accomplishments rather than their inherited status.
Enlightenment thinkers stressed the importance of reason, individualism, skepticism towards authority, and the belief in progress through science and education. They advocated for freedom of thought, speech, and expression as essential for societal advancement.
One prominent political philosopher of the Enlightenment was John Locke. His ideas on natural rights, individual freedom, and the social contract have had a significant influence on political thought and modern democratic governments.
Thomas Hobbes believed that human nature was inherently selfish and violent. He argued that without a strong central authority to maintain order, society would descend into chaos.
John Locke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_of_revolution
John Locke is an enlightenment thinker who supported religious tolerance and freedom of expression.
In my opinion, John Locke was the most influential enlightenment thinker because of his opinions of people's freedoms and government's role in society. His take on the social-contract theory shaped our government and his ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence. He thought the government ruled by permission of the people, and if the government was intruding on our inalienable rights, (life,libery,property) then we have a right to overthrow or change the government.
Voltaire, a prominent Enlightenment thinker, advocated for the abolition of titles of nobility. He believed in meritocracy and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of their birth status. Voltaire argued that a person's worth should be based on their abilities and accomplishments rather than their inherited status.
Enlightenment thinkers stressed the importance of reason, individualism, skepticism towards authority, and the belief in progress through science and education. They advocated for freedom of thought, speech, and expression as essential for societal advancement.
One prominent political philosopher of the Enlightenment was John Locke. His ideas on natural rights, individual freedom, and the social contract have had a significant influence on political thought and modern democratic governments.
Thomas Hobbes believed that human nature was inherently selfish and violent. He argued that without a strong central authority to maintain order, society would descend into chaos.
The answer to this question heavily depends on what society we are talking about. In modern history, since the enlightenment, it is widely believed that governments derive their power from the people whom they govern. This has not always been the case, however, when history shows us that many governments thought they derived their authority to govern from divine right or heritage, or both.
Niccolò Machiavelli's thoughts on political power and realistic governance influenced Enlightenment thinkers by challenging traditional ideas about morality and leadership. His emphasis on the use of force and manipulation to maintain control resonated with thinkers seeking to understand power dynamics. They incorporated Machiavelli's ideas into their own discussions on politics and society, contributing to the development of Enlightenment thought.
When Enlightenment thinkers began to challenge traditional authority and advocate for reason and individual rights, it led to a questioning of established norms and systems of government. This movement sparked revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, that sought to overthrow monarchies and establish democratic principles. The Enlightenment also influenced the development of modern political thought and the concept of human rights.
Voltaire is not considered a Romantic thinker. He was a key figure of the Enlightenment, known for his advocacy of freedom of thought, reason, and criticism of religious institutions. Romanticism emerged later and emphasized emotion, nature, and individuality, with thinkers such as Rousseau, Wordsworth, and Coleridge.
Simon Bolivar's thinking was strongly influenced by Enlightenment ideals such as liberty, equality, and democracy, which were also key principles of the American and French Revolutions. Bolivar sought to liberate Latin American countries from colonial rule and establish independent, republican governments based on these Enlightenment principles. He believed in the importance of popular sovereignty and the rights of individuals to govern themselves, reflecting the core tenets of Enlightenment thought that inspired both the American and French revolutions.