Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant advocated for using reason to understand the world and improve society. They believed that human progress was achievable through education and rational thought. This period encouraged questioning established norms, including faith—asserting that belief should align with reason and evidence. As a result, the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic values, human rights, and critical thinking, shaping the transition from religious-based governance to secular societies.
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Enlightenment refers to a profound understanding or insight, often associated with awakening to a new way of thinking. In a broader context, it is commonly linked to the Enlightenment era in the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when reason, science, and individual rights gained prominence over tradition and religious authority. Thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau emphasized reason, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge, challenging established norms. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for modern democracy, human rights, and rational thought, influencing many aspects of contemporary society and culture.