The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that profoundly influenced political, social, and philosophical thought. It emphasized reason, individualism, scientific inquiry, and skepticism of traditional authority. Emerging after the Scientific Revolution and gaining momentum in the wake of the Renaissance and Reformation, Enlightenment thinkers sought to challenge established institutions, promote secularism, and redefine human rights and governance. Its impact is evident in the political revolutions of the time, especially the French and American Revolutions, and it laid the intellectual foundations for modern Western society. One of the central ideas of the Enlightenment was the primacy of reason. Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings, through rational thought, could understand the universe and improve their lives. They rejected the notion that divine revelation or religious dogma should be the primary source of truth. Reason was seen as the vehicle for progress, liberating humanity from ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. This emphasis on rationality contributed to advancements in science, political theory, and economics, and inspired new educational systems and reforms. The idea of individual liberty was another cornerstone of Enlightenment thought. Thinkers such as John Locke argued that all individuals are born with certain natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. These rights were not granted by monarchs or religious authorities but were inherent to human nature. Locke’s political philosophy emphasized the idea of a social contract, in which governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed and are responsible for protecting the rights of citizens. If a government failed to do so, citizens had the right to overthrow it. This idea was highly influential in the development of liberal democracies and was reflected in the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Skepticism of traditional authority, especially that of the monarchy and the Church, also characterized Enlightenment thought. Philosophes like Voltaire fiercely criticized the Catholic Church for its intolerance, dogmatism, and alliance with absolute monarchies. They advocated for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state. Voltaire’s satirical writings exposed the corruption and absurdities within religious and political institutions, championing a society where individuals could freely express their thoughts without fear of persecution. The Enlightenment also promoted the idea of progress—the belief that through science, education, and reason, humanity could improve itself and its condition. Thinkers like Condorcet believed in the perfectibility of human nature and argued that human history was a continuous progression toward greater knowledge, liberty, and happiness. The