Samuel von Pufendorf was a German philosopher and jurist born in 1632. He is best known for his contributions to natural law theory, which emphasizes the idea that certain rights and moral principles are inherent to human beings. His works, such as De Jure Naturae et Gentium, laid the groundwork for modern legal and political thought. Pufendorf's ideas influenced many later thinkers, including John Locke and Immanuel Kant. He argued that society is formed through a social contract, where individuals consent to create a government to protect their rights. His emphasis on reason and morality in law continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of ethics and justice.