Which of the following best describes the Enlightenment era?

The Enlightenment era is best characterized as a time when traditional authority was questioned and reason was valued. This period, spanning roughly from the late 17th century to the 18th century, centered around the idea that human beings could use reason and rational thought to challenge established norms, beliefs, and power structures. Thinkers such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant emphasized the importance of individual rights, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking, leading to advancements in various fields such as philosophy, science, and political theory.

This approach significantly contrasted with the surrounding periods of ignorance or blind faith, which often relied on superstition and unquestioned adherence to established doctrine. Those characteristics are poorly associated with the Enlightenment, as the era explicitly aimed to promote knowledge, education, and the scientific method while advocating for social reforms and questioning absolute monarchies. The focus was on elevating rational thought over dogma, leading to significant societal changes and laying the groundwork for modern democratic systems.