The Philosophes

The Philosophes were influential thinkers during the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily in France. They emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, advocating for progress in human rights, education, and governance. Key figures included Voltaire, who championed freedom of speech, and Rousseau, who explored concepts of democracy and social contracts. Their ideas laid the groundwork for modern democracy, secularism, and human rights, challenging the norms of their time and encouraging critical thinking and reforms in society and politics.