What was a key concept promoted during the Enlightenment regarding human rights?

• A. Divine right of kings
• B. Natural rights
• C. Absolute power of governance
• D. Social hierarchy maintenance

Answer: (B)

The Enlightenment was a period characterized by a focus on reason, individualism, and human rights. The concept of natural rights emerged as a foundational idea during this time, positing that individuals possess inherent rights simply by being human. These rights are not granted by any authority but exist independently and are universal, applying to all people equally. Philosophers such as John Locke articulated that these natural rights include life, liberty, and property, and emphasized that governments are established primarily to protect these rights.

The idea of natural rights was revolutionary, as it challenged existing systems of governance that relied on the divine right of kings and absolute power, where rulers had unchecked authority over their subjects. This emphasis on individual rights contributed significantly to later democratic movements and documents, such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which enshrined these concepts into legal frameworks. In contrast, the other options focus on hierarchical structures and authoritative governance that do not prioritize individual rights.