Enlightenment philosophy
Enlightenment philosophy, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasized reason, science, and individualism. Thinkers like Descartes and Kant advocated that human reason is the primary source of knowledge and understanding, challenging traditional authority and superstition. Rationalism, a key aspect of the Enlightenment, asserts that knowledge can be gained through logic and reasoning rather than just sensory experience. Enlightenment philosophers believed in progress, valuing the role of education in improving society and fostering freedoms, which laid the groundwork for modern democracy and human rights. Their ideas encouraged critical thinking and the questioning of established beliefs.
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Enlightenment Philosophy was a movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant challenged traditional authority and advocated for critical thinking and empirical evidence. They believed in progress, the importance of liberty, and the separation of church and state. This era laid the groundwork for modern democracy, human rights, and rational governance, influencing revolutions and shaping contemporary views on morality and justice. Ultimately, Enlightenment thinkers sought to empower individuals and promote knowledge as a means to improve society.