Who is recognized for promoting the concept of a social contract in political philosophy?

The recognition of the social contract theory is most closely associated with John Locke, who played a pivotal role in developing the concept within the framework of Enlightenment thinking. Locke proposed that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and establish a government to protect their natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property. This foundational idea articulates that the legitimacy of political authority stems from the consent of the governed, forming the basis for modern democratic thought.

Locke's interpretation of the social contract emphasizes the importance of individual rights and the responsibility of the government to safeguard those rights, ensuring that authority is derived from the will of the people. While other philosophers like Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Kant also explored ideas related to governance and society, Locke's contributions are particularly critical in shaping the social contract theory as it pertains to individual liberties and the government’s role.