Which aspect of Enlightenment thought challenged traditional authority?

The aspect of Enlightenment thought that challenged traditional authority is the trust in empirical evidence and reason. This belief emphasized skepticism towards established norms and doctrines, promoting the idea that knowledge should be derived from observation and logical reasoning rather than tradition or dogma.

Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Voltaire advocated for the use of reason as a tool to question and analyze societal structures, including government and religion. By prioritizing reason and empirical evidence, they encouraged individuals to think critically and independently, ultimately leading to a reevaluation of power dynamics and questioning of absolute monarchs and established religious authorities. This shift in thinking laid the foundation for modern democratic ideals and the emphasis on individual rights, challenging the long-standing acceptance of traditional forms of governance and belief systems.