17th Century Thinkers

The 17th century was a pivotal era in intellectual history, marked by the rise of Enlightenment thinking. Key figures included René Descartes, who emphasized reason and skepticism, famously stating, "I think, therefore I am." Thomas Hobbes explored political philosophy, advocating for strong government to maintain order. John Locke introduced ideas about natural rights and government by consent, influencing democratic thought. Galileo challenged traditional views with his scientific observations, laying groundwork for modern science. Collectively, these thinkers shifted the focus from religious explanations to reason, individual rights, and empirical evidence, shaping modern philosophy, politics, and science.