Which Enlightenment thinker is associated with the idea of a social contract?

B. Rousseau is closely associated with the idea of the social contract, particularly through his seminal work "The Social Contract" published in 1762. In this text, Rousseau explores the concept of a collective agreement among individuals to form a society governed by the general will, prioritizing the common good over individual interests. He argues that legitimacy of political authority stems from this contract, where individuals collectively agree to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights and freedoms.

Rousseau’s interpretation of the social contract emphasized that true political authority comes from the consent of the governed, creating a foundation for modern democratic theory and practices. This idea contrasted with earlier notions held by thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, who also discussed social contracts but with different implications regarding authority and individual rights.

Overall, Rousseau’s contributions significantly shaped Enlightenment thought and had lasting influences on political philosophy and the development of democratic systems.