Final answer:
The Enlightenment, also called the Age of Reason, was an intellectual movement in the 18th century that propelled the use of reason and logic to advance society. Central European thinkers like Locke, Newton, and Voltaire promoted the values of liberty and scientific inquiry over tradition and superstition, leading to significant societal reforms and modernization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Enlightenment Movement
The movement that spread the idea that reason and logic can improve society during the 1700s is known as The Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason. This was an intellectual and cultural movement that notably took place in Europe throughout the 18th century. The Enlightenment emphasized the use of reason as the primary source of authority, driving forward the values of liberty, progress, and tolerance. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Voltaire, employed the use of the press to challenge established norms and advocate for religious tolerance and the scientific method.
Adopting a critical stance towards traditional doctrines, the Enlightenment encouraged a societal reformation based upon rationality rather than blind faith or superstition. Philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire, along with scientists and mathematicians, reshaped many aspects of European society by promoting ideas related to natural law, civil liberties, and the methods of scientific inquiry.
Eventually, these Enlightenment ideas led to significant modernization, influencing political systems with concepts like the separation of powers and laying the groundwork for future democratic governments. The movement's optimism about the potential for science and reason to contribute to human progress marked a pivotal point in Western civilization.