Enlightenment teachings

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Rousseau championed the use of logic and empirical evidence over tradition and religious authority. They believed in the potential for human progress through education and rational thought. Enlightenment ideals laid the foundation for modern democracy, highlighting values such as liberty, equality, and the social contract—where governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This era significantly influenced political and philosophical thought, shaping contemporary society.