In which way did Absolutism contrast with Enlightenment thought?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental distinction between Absolutism and Enlightenment thought: Absolutism favored centralized power, where monarchs held supreme authority often justified by the divine right of kings. This meant that rulers had absolute control over their states and made decisions without the need for consent from the governed or consideration for individual rights.

In contrast, Enlightenment thought emerged as a response to these practices, emphasizing individual rights, liberty, and reason. Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke and Montesquieu argued for the protection of individual freedoms and the establishment of governments based on consent of the governed, promoting ideas such as separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent the concentration of authority.

This distinction showcases how Absolutism focused on the authority and power of the state, while the Enlightenment sought to empower individuals and promote a more democratic and participatory form of governance.