Final answer:
John Locke is renowned for conceptualizing the 'tabula rasa' in human knowledge acquisition, advocating for the protection of natural rights 'Life, Liberty, and Property' within a government's duty, and formulating the social contract theory that opposes divine monarchy and supports representative government.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Locke, a prominent Enlightenment thinker, is known for his significant contributions to several areas of philosophy and political theory. One of his key ideas, stemming from his work An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, is the concept of the tabula rasa, which asserts that the human mind starts as a blank slate, and knowledge comes through experience.
Additionally, Locke's political philosophy, written in Two Treatises of Government, introduces the principle that government should serve for the people's benefit and protect natural rights such as Life, Liberty, and Property. This idea underpins the social contract theory, supporting the argument that individuals consent to be governed in exchange for security and the protection of their rights. His thoughts on representative government and the separation of powers greatly influenced modern democratic societies, particularly evident in the founding documents of the United States.
Lastly, Locke's social contract theory is foundational in understanding political consent and legitimacy, opposing the divine right of kings and suggesting that if a government fails its duty, the people have the rightful power to overthrow it and establish new governance.