Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the early 19th centuries, was an intellectual and cultural movement in Europe. It emphasized reason, science, and individual rights over tradition and religious authority. Thinkers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Rousseau challenged established norms, promoting ideas of democracy, liberty, and justice. This period fostered advances in philosophy, politics, and science, paving the way for revolutions and the development of modern societies. Ultimately, the Enlightenment encouraged critical thinking and questioned the status quo, shaping contemporary views on human rights and governance.