1. John Locke
Known as the Father of Liberalism, Locke's ideas on natural rights and social contract greatly influenced modern political thought.
2. Montesquieu
Famous for his theory of the separation of powers, Montesquieu's work laid the foundation for the concept of checks and balances in government.
3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau's ideas on the social contract and the general will were instrumental in shaping democratic principles.
4. Voltaire
A prominent advocate for freedom of speech and religious tolerance, Voltaire's writings challenged the authority of the church and monarchy.
5. Thomas Paine
Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' played a pivotal role in inspiring the American Revolution and advocating for republican government.
6. Mary Wollstonecraft
A pioneer of feminist thought, Wollstonecraft argued for women's rights and equality in her seminal work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'.
7. Adam Smith
Considered the father of modern economics, Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations' laid the groundwork for capitalist theory and free-market principles.
8. Denis Diderot
As the editor of the 'Encyclopédie', Diderot played a key role in disseminating Enlightenment ideas and promoting education and knowledge.
9. Edmund Burke
A proponent of conservatism, Burke's reflections on the French Revolution and the importance of tradition influenced political philosophy for centuries.
10. Immanuel Kant
Kant's moral and ethical philosophy, particularly his concept of the categorical imperative, had a profound impact on political theory and the idea of universal rights.
