Which philosopher opposed the Divine Right of Kings?

John Locke is recognized for opposing the Divine Right of Kings, a doctrine that justified monarchal authority based on the belief that a king's right to rule came directly from God. Locke's philosophical contributions emphasized the concepts of natural rights and social contract theory. He argued that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that individuals possess rights to life, liberty, and property that cannot be infringed upon by rulers. This view contrasted sharply with the Divine Right, which placed absolute power in the hands of monarchs without regard for the rights or will of the people.

In Locke's view, if a monarchy fails to protect the rights of its citizens, the people have the right to overthrow that government. This perspective laid the groundwork for later democratic theories and influenced revolutionary movements that sought to challenge and dismantle absolute monarchical rule. Locke’s philosophy helped establish the foundation for modern liberal democracy, asserting that the legitimacy of power comes from the people's consent rather than divine decree.