How did the philosophies of the Enlightenment challenge traditional beliefs?

The philosophies of the Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and a scientific approach to understanding the world, which significantly challenged traditional beliefs that often relied on established customs, religious authority, and superstitious interpretations. Thinkers of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, encouraged people to question existing norms and seek knowledge through inquiry and evidence. This movement fostered a critical approach to governance, society, and religion, advocating that human beings should rely on rational thought rather than accepting ideas based solely on tradition or dogma.

This shift was pivotal in laying the groundwork for modern democratic thought and scientific inquiry, ultimately leading to significant social and political revolutions. The rejection of tradition in favor of understanding through observation and reason illustrates how Enlightenment thinkers sought to enlighten society by prioritizing rationality and empirical evidence over inherited beliefs.