Who is primarily associated with the philosophy of "natural rights"?

John Locke is primarily associated with the philosophy of "natural rights." His ideas, articulated in works such as "Two Treatises of Government," emphasize the belief that individuals possess fundamental rights inherent to their humanity, which include life, liberty, and property. Locke posited that the role of government is to protect these natural rights and that any government that fails to do so is illegitimate. This philosophy significantly influenced the development of liberal political thought and the framing of democratic governments, particularly in the context of the American Declaration of Independence.

In Locke's view, natural rights are not granted by the state or society but are intrinsic to individuals. This differs from Hobbes' perspective, which focuses on the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and ensure social order. Meanwhile, Rousseau's views center on the social contract and the collective will, while Montesquieu emphasizes the separation of powers within government. Therefore, Locke's foundational ideas on natural rights are crucial in understanding the evolution of democratic thinking and individual liberties.