18th-century French philosophy

18th-century French philosophy, part of the Enlightenment, emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like Voltaire advocated for freedom of expression and religion, while Rousseau emphasized natural human goodness and direct democracy. Diderot helped create the Encyclopedia to spread knowledge. These philosophers challenged traditional authority, questioning church and government power, and laid the intellectual groundwork for modern ideas about liberty, equality, and progress. Their work promoted critical thinking and education, inspiring social and political reforms that shaped contemporary Western societies.