Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a cultural and intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, logic, science, and critical thinking as means to understand and improve society.

Related terms

Scientific Revolution: A period of scientific advancements that occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries which laid the foundation for the Enlightenment.

Philosophes: Intellectual thinkers who promoted rationality, freedom of thought, and individual rights during the Enlightenment.

Voltaire: A prominent French philosopher during the Enlightenment who advocated for religious tolerance and freedom of speech.