A significant philosophy that emerged from the Enlightenment was liberalism, highlighting individual rights, democracy, and reason as fundamental principles for governance. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke argued for the notion of natural rights and the social contract, which influenced modern democratic ideals and political structures. The emphasis on rationality and evidence-based governance challenged traditional authority and religious dogma, laying the groundwork for contemporary political theories. This philosophical shift also promoted the idea of government accountability and the protection of civil liberties.