Two of the main thinkers of the Enlightenment were John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. The Enlightenment applied scientific method to the ways that people are governed.
Both Locke and Hobbes thought that this would improve society. However, they differed in their views. John Locke thought humans were rational beings,who could govern their own affairs. Locke also believed that all people were born free and equal with three national rights of life, liberty and to own property. John Locke's philosophy led him to favor self-government (government by People). Thomas Hobbes thought all humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Hobbes' thoughts led him to believe that humans needed strong governments to keep order. Their different philosophies led each of them to believe that different forms of government (democracy versus absolute Monarchy) were best.