Enlightenment Era

Definition

The Enlightenment era refers to a period in European history during the 18th century characterized by a strong emphasis on reason, science, and individualism. It was a time when people began questioning traditional beliefs and advocating for personal freedoms.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophy during the Enlightenment era that emphasized using reason and logic to understand the world.

Secularism: The principle of separating religious institutions from government affairs, which gained prominence during the Enlightenment.

Social Contract Theory: A political theory developed during this era that argued governments should be based on an agreement or contract between rulers and citizens.