Which historical figure is closely associated with the idea of natural rights?

The association of John Locke with the idea of natural rights is fundamental to understanding his philosophical contributions. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights simply by virtue of being human, which include life, liberty, and property. His concept of natural rights influenced Enlightenment thinking and provided a foundation for modern democratic principles and human rights.

Locke's philosophy asserts that a legitimate government must protect these rights and that individuals have the right to revolt against any government that fails to do so. This idea significantly impacted political thought in the 17th and 18th centuries, contributing to the development of liberal democracy.

In contrast, the other historical figures mentioned have different focuses. For instance, Karl Marx concentrated on class struggle and the critique of capitalism rather than the concept of natural rights. Thomas Hobbes emphasized a strong, centralized authority to prevent chaos and did not advocate for natural rights in the same manner as Locke. Meanwhile, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, while discussing the social contract and general will, approached the idea of rights from a different angle, advocating for collective rights rather than individual natural rights as emphasized by Locke.