Enlightenment ideas

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and scientific inquiry. Thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire championed ideas such as human rights, freedom of thought, and democracy. They questioned traditional authority, advocating for a society based on reason rather than superstition and tradition. This period laid the groundwork for modern political and social systems, influencing revolutions and the development of democratic governments. Enlightenment ideas continue to shape contemporary views on liberty, equality, and justice.