The key philosopher behind the concept of "natural rights" is John Locke, an influential Enlightenment thinker. Locke argued that all individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and these rights are not granted by any government but are instead intrinsic to all human beings. His philosophy emphasized that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed and is formed to protect these natural rights. Locke's ideas significantly influenced political philosophy and the development of democratic principles, particularly in the formation of the United States' Declaration of Independence and broader discussions on human rights.