Which event is regarded as a catalyst for the spread of Enlightenment ideas in Europe?

The Scientific Revolution is regarded as a significant catalyst for the spread of Enlightenment ideas in Europe because it shifted the focus of knowledge from tradition and religious doctrine to empirical observation and reason. This period, which took place from the late 16th century to the 18th century, introduced revolutionary scientific concepts and methodologies through figures such as Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton. Their emphasis on observation and experimentation encouraged thinkers to apply reason to all areas of human inquiry, including politics, philosophy, and ethics.

The principles of rational thought and skepticism that emerged from the Scientific Revolution laid the groundwork for Enlightenment thinkers who began to question established norms and authority, including monarchies and the Church. This intellectual movement stemmed from a belief in progress and the idea that humans could improve society through reason and education, aligning closely with the new scientific outlook.

While the French Revolution and other events like the Renaissance also played roles in promoting Enlightenment ideas, the Scientific Revolution is pivotal in marking the transition from a world ruled by superstition and tradition to one guided by reason and scientific inquiry, making it a primary catalyst for the Enlightenment.