The Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment, which spanned the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, was a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke challenged old beliefs and advocated for ideas such as liberty, equality, and justice. This period led to advancements in philosophy, politics, and science, influencing revolutionary movements and the development of modern democratic societies. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for many contemporary values and institutions, encouraging people to question the status quo and seek knowledge through rational thought.
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The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was a cultural and intellectual movement in Europe that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant championed ideas about democracy, liberty, and human rights, challenging traditional authority and encouraging critical thinking. This period laid the groundwork for modern democracy and inspired revolutions in America and France. It marked a shift from superstition and absolute monarchies to the belief that human progress could be achieved through knowledge and reason, influencing art, philosophy, and politics that continue to shape our world today.