The famous philosopher known for his work on the social contract during the Enlightenment was Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In his seminal work, "The Social Contract," Rousseau explored the relationship between individual freedom and political authority. He argued that legitimate political authority relies on the consent of the governed and that individuals collectively agree to form a society, surrendering some freedoms to achieve greater societal goals. Rousseau’s ideas also emphasized the importance of general will in shaping law and governance, influencing democratic thought and modern political theory significantly.