The philosophical basis that laid the framework for natural rights advocated by Enlightenment thinkers was rooted in reason and the belief in intrinsic human dignity. Key figures like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau posited that individuals are entitled to fundamental rights, such as life, liberty, and property, independent of any governing authority. This philosophy influenced revolutionary movements and the development of modern democratic principles. By emphasizing the protection of personal freedoms and the social contract, Enlightenment thinkers played a critical role in shaping modern political thought and human rights discussions.