Enlightenment: A European intellectual movement in the 17th-18th century emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition. It was heavily influenced by philosophers such as Descartes, Locke, Newton, and Voltaire.
Candide: A satirical novel written by Voltaire that criticizes optimism promoted by the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. It follows the story of a young man named Candide living in an Edenic paradise who experiences hardships that challenge his optimistic outlook on life.
Deism: The belief in a supreme being who does not interfere with human life or laws of universe post creation. Many Enlightenment thinkers including Voltaire were deists.