What did Enlightenment thinkers typically advocate for in education?

Enlightenment thinkers championed the idea of widespread access to education and the promotion of rational thought as a means to empower individuals and enhance society as a whole. This period, often referred to as the Age of Reason, emphasized the importance of knowledge, reason, and critical thinking. Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that education should be available to all, regardless of social class, believing that informed citizens could contribute more effectively to society and governance.

This advocacy for accessible education was rooted in the belief that enlightenment and progress would emerge from an educated populace. Rather than limiting knowledge to a privileged few, these thinkers sought to dismantle barriers to education and promote a curriculum that encouraged independent thinking and inquiry. By doing so, they hoped to cultivate a society where individuals could engage with ideas critically and contribute to social and political change.