Which philosopher is associated with the idea that the purpose of government is to protect individuals' natural rights?

The philosopher associated with the idea that the purpose of government is to protect individuals' natural rights is John Locke. Locke argued that individuals possess certain inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and property. He maintained that the primary role of government is to safeguard these rights and that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, who agree to form a political society in order to protect their natural rights more effectively than they could in a state of nature.

Locke's social contract theory posits that while individuals have the right to govern themselves, entering into a society involves some surrender of freedom in exchange for the protection and security that government provides. This framework deeply influenced modern democratic thought and the development of legal systems, emphasizing the concept that governments exist to serve the people's interests rather than to impose arbitrary authority.

Understanding Locke's views on government and natural rights helps clarify why he is a foundational figure in political philosophy, particularly in advocating for individual rights and limited government, and highlights the ongoing relevance of his ideas in contemporary discussions about the purpose and scope of government.