Which philosophers are associated with the development of liberalism?

The development of liberalism is primarily associated with the ideas of John Locke and, to some extent, Thomas Hobbes, who argued for the social contract and the inherent rights of individuals. Locke, in particular, emphasized natural rights, the importance of liberty, and government by consent, all foundational concepts of liberal theory. His writings advocated for individual freedom and limited government, which became central tenets of liberalism.

Rousseau and Montesquieu also contributed significantly to political thought but are typically associated with different concepts. Rousseau focused on the idea of the general will and participatory democracy, while Montesquieu is known for his theory of the separation of powers in government, which influenced liberal democratic structures but is not centered on the individual rights concept of liberalism.

In contrast, Smith and Marx are aligned with economic theory rather than the basic tenets of political liberalism. Smith is recognized for his ideas on capitalism and market economies, while Marx critiqued capitalism and proposed a radically different system based on socialism.

Aquinas and Kant contributed to moral and ethical philosophy, with Kant's categorical imperative playing a vital role in modern ethical debates. However, their works do not directly relate to the core principles of political liberalism regarding individual rights and government