Samuel Pufendorf

Samuel Pufendorf was a 17th-century philosopher influential in shaping modern ethical and political thought. He contributed to deontological ethics, emphasizing duty and moral obligation. His rights theory argued that individuals have inherent rights by nature, which governments should protect. Pufendorf’s social contract theory posited that societies form through agreements, where people consent to give up some freedoms for social order and protection. He also discussed sovereignty, advocating that legitimate government authority arises from the people's consent. Overall, Pufendorf's work laid foundational concepts for understanding individual rights and the role of the state in ethical societies.