A fundamental concept or belief that guides thinking and behavior. In the context of the American Revolution, a philosophical idea refers to a set of principles or values that influenced the revolutionaries' ideas about liberty, equality, and government.
Related terms
Natural Rights: The belief that individuals have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which cannot be taken away by any government.
Social Contract: An implicit agreement among members of a society in which they give up certain rights in exchange for protection and benefits from their government.
Enlightenment: A cultural movement during the 18th century characterized by an emphasis on reason, science, and individualism. It greatly influenced revolutionary thinkers with its focus on human rights and political reform.