Which British liberal thinker is known for his belief in natural rights?

John Locke is recognized as a pivotal British liberal thinker who articulated the theory of natural rights, which had a significant influence on modern political philosophy. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights simply by virtue of being human. These natural rights include life, liberty, and property, and he believed that the role of government is to protect these rights. If a government fails to safeguard them or becomes oppressive, Locke asserted that citizens have the right to overthrow it.

The importance of Locke's ideas lies in their foundational contribution to liberalism and democratic theory. His writings inspired prominent documents such as the Declaration of Independence in the United States, underscoring his emphasis on consent to govern based on the protection of individual liberties.

Other thinkers, while significant in their own right, focused on different aspects of governance and human nature. Thomas Hobbes, for instance, is known for his views on social contract theory but emphasized a strong, central authority to prevent chaos. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's work dealt more with the collective will and social equality rather than the focus on individual natural rights. Montesquieu analyzed the separation of powers within government but did not advocate specifically for the concept of natural rights as Locke did.