John Locke

John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and physician, considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment and called the Father of Classical Liberalism.

Considered one of the first British empiricists to continue in the tradition of Francis Bacon, John Locke also made significant contributions to social contract theory. His work strongly influenced the development of epistemology and political philosophy, and his writings influenced Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the leaders of the American Revolution, finding reflection in the Declaration of Independence.