The Age of Reason

The Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant advocated for rational thought, human rights, and democratic principles. This period questioned established norms, promoting ideas such as liberty, equality, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Age of Reason laid the groundwork for modern science, political theory, and secularism, shaping contemporary Western thought and contributing to significant societal changes, including revolutions in America and France.