Final answer:
The Enlightenment mainly rejected traditional ideas and values, favoring reason, scientific thought, and progress as ways to gain knowledge and improve society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Enlightenment mainly rejected traditional ideas and values (Option A). This intellectual movement was characterized by the reliance on reason, progress, and scientific methods as opposed to following established traditions. Enlightenment thinkers saw the pursuit of knowledge through reason and scientific thought as a means to advance society away from ignorance and superstition.Enlightenment thinkers advocated for rationalism, the belief that knowledge could be gained through the use of reason and logic. This was a departure from previous reliance on religious authorities or ancient texts. Empiricism, or knowledge from experience and observation, was an important Enlightenment idea, as well as progressivism, the concept that humanity could continually improve its condition through the application of science and reason. Additionally, cosmopolitanism emphasized a world view over provincial or local perspectives. Thus, the Enlightenment signaled a turning point from dogmatic adherence to traditional values toward the embrace of forward-thinking and individualized approaches to understanding and improving the world. Conclusion The primary elements of the Enlightenment involved the dedication to science, reason, and progress, influencing the shift away from traditional ideas and values. This period’s ideals set the stage for significant societal and political changes that would follow, including movements for democratic governance and human rights.