The historical figure known for their contributions to the Enlightenment in the 17th century is John Locke. Locke's ideas about government, individual rights, and the nature of knowledge significantly influenced political philosophy and the development of liberal democratic thought. He advocated for the social contract theory, arguing that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. His work, particularly "Two Treatises of Government," emphasized the protection of life, liberty, and property as fundamental rights. Locke’s ideas inspired revolutionary movements and contributed to the foundations of modern democratic systems, making him a prominent figure in Enlightenment and subsequent political thought.