What was one of the driving forces behind the philosophical changes in the Enlightenment?

One of the most significant driving forces behind the philosophical changes during the Enlightenment was the impact of scientific discoveries. The Enlightenment period, which spanned the late 17th to the 18th century, coincided with remarkable advancements in scientific understanding. Thinkers such as Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei challenged existing notions of the universe, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and reason as essential tools for understanding the natural world.

This scientific revolution encouraged Enlightenment philosophers to apply rational thought to society, politics, and human behavior, leading to the questioning of traditional authorities and doctrines. The newfound emphasis on empirical evidence and reason fostered an environment where ideas about individual rights, governance, and ethics could develop independently of religious or monarchical restrictions. Consequently, the period heralded a shift towards values such as liberty, equality, and the belief in progress, which were foundational to modern democracy and philosophical inquiry.

In this context, while increased power of monarchs, the role of the church, and colonial expansion may have influenced various aspects of society and culture during the Enlightenment, they did not drive the fundamental philosophical shifts as significantly as the scientific discoveries. The changing perspectives brought about by these discoveries fundamentally altered how individuals perceived the world and their place within it, thus