Philosophy
The Enlightenment
Summary
The Enlightenment, or Age of Reason, was an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism. Enlightenment thinkers challenged traditional authority, such as absolute monarchy and the church, and advocated for principles like liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, and constitutional government. Its ideas were a driving force behind the American and French Revolutions.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
— Voltaire (summarizing his philosophy)
