The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural awakening that took place in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, intellectuals, philosophers and social commentators challenged the existing political and social norms and advocated for a more rational and just society.
Central to the Enlightenment was the emergence of modern political thought that rejected the divine rule of monarchs and proposed a more democratic form of governance. The Enlightenment thinkers believed that society should be based on reason, science, and human progress rather than on dogma, superstition and tradition.
The concept of individual rights and liberties was also central to the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers believed that all individuals had certain inalienable rights, including the freedom of speech, religion, and the press. These rights were seen as essential for the development of a free and open society in which individuals were able to pursue their own interests and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The Enlightenment also saw the emergence of the idea of the social contract, which posited that individuals voluntarily gave up some of their rights in exchange for protection and security provided by the state. This idea formed the basis for modern democracies in which citizens participate in the government through elected representatives.
Overall, the Enlightenment was a pivotal moment in the history of Western thought and society that led to profound changes in politics, philosophy, and culture. The legacy of the Enlightenment can be seen in the values and institutions that underpin modern liberal democracies.
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