Enlightenment thinkers adopted a rational and empirical approach to the study of government, rejecting traditional authority and focusing on individual liberties and rights. They emphasized reason, observation, and evidence as tools for understanding the nature and purpose of government.
One of the central ideas was the social contract theory, notably advanced by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. They argued that governments are formed through the consent of the governed and exist to protect the rights and welfare of individuals. This was a significant shift from the divine right of kings and monarchy, proposing instead that authority originates from the people.
Moreover, Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems, where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches operate independently and provide checks and balances upon each other.
In summary, Enlightenment thinkers approached the study of government by prioritizing reason, individual rights, and the principles of democracy, fundamentally shaping modern political thought.