The primary focus of the Enlightenment philosophers was to promote the principles of reason, individualism, and empiricism, which significantly shaped modern political thought. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu emphasized the importance of rational thought and the idea of natural rights. They argued for social contracts and the limitations of government authority, advocating for democracy and liberty. This philosophical movement laid the groundwork for future revolutions, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, and helped establish the foundations of political discourse surrounding rights and governance in contemporary societies.