Libertinage (movement)

Libertinage was a cultural movement in 17th and 18th-century Europe that challenged traditional moral and religious values. It emphasized individual freedom, skepticism of authority, and the pursuit of pleasure, often through sensual or unconventional practices. Libertines valued personal liberty over societal constraints, advocating for intellectual exploration and experimental lifestyles. The movement influenced literature, philosophy, and art, fostering a spirit of questioning authority and promoting secularism. While it was sometimes associated with moral libertinism or excess, its core aim was to encourage free thought and challenge established norms.