Samuel von Pufendorf was a 17th-century German philosopher and jurist known for his contributions to natural law and political theory. Born in 1632, he emphasized the importance of social contracts and the role of reason in understanding human rights and governance. His works laid the foundation for modern legal and political thought. Pufendorf's most notable work, De Jure Naturae et Gentium, explored the principles of natural law and the rights of individuals and nations. He argued that laws should be based on reason and morality, influencing later thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of law and ethics.