Title: Early Modern Philosophers: Enlightenment Thought and Its Implications introduction The term "early modern philosophers" encompasses a range of prominent thinkers and philosophers from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. During this period, along with the great changes in European society, philosophical thought also underwent a major transformation. In this article, we will introduce some representative early modern philosophers and their main ideas, and explore the profound influence of their ideas of enlightenment on modern thought. 1. Renaissance humanists The humanists of the Renaissance (roughly from the 14th to the 17th centuries) emphasized the dignity and worth of human nature, opposed theocracy, and advocated the development of science and art. Exponents such as Leonardo Brunelleschi, Petrarch and Dante laid the foundation for later modern philosophy. Among them, the core idea of humanism, which emphasizes people's rational thinking and free will, has had a profound impact on later philosophers. 2. Descartes' rationalism By the time of the Enlightenment, the ideas of the French philosopher Descartes were of epoch-making significance. He put forward the famous proposition "I think, therefore I am", emphasizing the importance of rational thinking and self-knowledge. He believed that human beings should understand the world through reason, free from the shackles of superstition and tradition. Descartes' ideas laid a solid foundation for rationalism in the Age of Enlightenment. 3. Locke's empiricism Unlike Descartes' rationalism, the English philosopher John Locke advocated empiricism. He believed that human knowledge was derived from experience, not from innate ideas. Locke's ideas had an important influence on the later positivism and scientific revolutions. His book, The Theory of Human Understanding, laid the foundation for epistemology and epistemology in modern philosophy. 4. Montesquieu's theory of the social contract The French philosopher Montesquieu is one of the representatives of social contract theory. He argues that government is based on a social contract through which people give power to government. Montesquieu's ideas embodied the ideas of democracy and freedom in the Age of Enlightenment, and had a profound influence on later political philosophy and modern democracy. 5. Kant's Moral Philosophy and Critical Philosophy The German philosopher Immanuel Kant was an important representative of the late Age of Enlightenment. His moral and critical philosophies have had a profound impact on modern philosophy. Kant emphasized the universality and objectivity of the moral law, believing that human beings should act according to universal moral principles. At the same time, he also conducted an in-depth exploration of human cognitive abilities and knowledge, and proposed the famous "Copernican Revolution", which opened up a new path for later epistemological and metaphysical research. 6. The influence of early modern philosophers The ideas of early modern philosophers not only had a profound impact on the field of philosophy, but also gave a great impetus to the development of modern society. Their enlightenment ideas inspired people's pursuit of freedom, equality, and democracy, and promoted social change and development. At the same time, their ideas also provided rich inspiration and inspiration for later scientists, philosophers and thinkers, and promoted the progress of human civilization. epilogue Early modern philosophers made important contributions to the establishment and development of modern ideas and concepts with their unique ideas and concepts. Their enlightenment ideas have had a profound impact on the development of modern society and promoted the progress of human civilization. The study of the ideas of early modern philosophers is of great value for our understanding of the development of human history and culture.