The Enlightenment thinker known for the concept of the social contract is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In his landmark work, "The Social Contract," published in 1762, Rousseau argued that legitimate political authority arises from the consent of the governed and that individuals must surrender some of their freedoms for the sake of collective security and social order. He believed in the idea of the "general will," which represents the collective interests of the populace. Rousseau's theory influenced modern political thought, especially regarding democracy, individual rights, and the principles of governance. His emphasis on popular sovereignty and the equality of citizens remains impactful in contemporary discussions about political philosophy and ethics.