Russian Enlightenment

The Russian Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 18th century that promoted reason, scientific inquiry, and education, inspired by European ideas. It aimed to modernize Russia’s society, governance, and culture by encouraging critical thinking, legal reform, and secular values. Key figures sought to reduce corruption, improve education, and promote progress, often advocating for increased reliance on reason over tradition and superstition. While Russia remained largely autocratic, the Enlightenment influenced reforms and set the groundwork for future political and social transformations in the country.