Final answer:
French philosophes advocated for reform in government, law and society using rational thought, inspired changes such as the removal of church influence and the creation of the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen during the French Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Enlightenment period brought a wave of new ideas challenging the traditional structures and ideologies in France. Philosophes, or French philosophers, sought to apply rational science to understand and improve society. They posited that government, law, and society could benefit from reforms, questioning the role of punishment and torture in the process.
During the French Revolution, the Jacobins, inspired by Enlightenment ideas, emphasized reason and virtue and sought to change French culture to align with such ideals. The removal of the Catholic Church's influence, the introduction of a republican calendar, and attempts to dechristianize France were key elements of their campaign.
Lastly, the National Assembly drafted the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a document heavily influenced by Enlightenment principles that asserted equality before the law and basic rights and liberties.