What were the main ideas promoted by Enlightenment thinkers?

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Enlightenment thinkers championed the principles of reason, individualism, progress, and a healthy skepticism of authority, which collectively defined the movement's core philosophy. Reason was heralded as the primary tool for understanding the world and improving human life, encouraging individuals to rely on rational thought rather than tradition or superstition. Individualism emphasized the importance of personal rights and freedoms, asserting that individuals should have the autonomy to pursue their own happiness and make decisions based on their own beliefs.

Progress was seen as an inherent goal of human society, suggesting that social, political, and scientific advancements were not only possible but inevitable with the application of reason. Skepticism of authority was a critical stance taken by Enlightenment thinkers, who questioned the legitimacy of traditional institutions such as the monarchy and the church, advocating for a society where power was derived from the consent of the governed rather than from hereditary or divine right.

This approach shifted the landscape of thought during the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to significant changes in political theory and practice, as well as contributing to revolutions that sought to establish democratic principles based on Enlightenment ideals.

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