Which concept is most closely associated with Enlightenment thought?

Rationalism and empirical evidence are central to Enlightenment thought, as this intellectual movement emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge based on observable phenomena. Enlightenment thinkers championed the idea that human beings could understand the world through rational thought and that knowledge should be derived from experience and experimentation rather than from superstition or unexamined traditions.

This focus on rationalism led to significant developments in philosophy, science, and political theory, encouraging individuals to question authority and tradition. Prominent figures, such as René Descartes and John Locke, advocated for the use of reason to challenge established norms and beliefs, which laid the groundwork for modern democratic and scientific principles. The Enlightenment period marked a shift away from dogmatic beliefs and towards a reliance on logic and evidence, profoundly impacting various areas of society, including governance, education, and religion.