Which political philosopher is known as the father of liberalism?

John Locke is regarded as the father of liberalism due to his profound influence on political thought during the Enlightenment and his ideas about government, individual rights, and the social contract. His work posits that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which the government must protect. Locke argued for a government that derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and limited governmental power—core tenets of liberal philosophy.

His theories laid the groundwork for later democratic principles, particularly the idea that people have the right to overthrow a government that fails to respect their rights. This notion greatly influenced democratic movements in Europe and the Americas, making Locke's contributions pivotal in shaping modern liberal political ideology.

Other philosophers like Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes also contributed significantly to political thought, but their views diverge from the fundamental principles of liberalism that Locke established. Voltaire focused on civil liberties and freedom of expression, Rousseau emphasized the concept of the general will, and Hobbes is known for his views on absolute monarchy and human nature, which contrasts sharply with liberal thought that values individual rights and governmental accountability.