Final answer:
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason and rational thought, leading to a rejection of traditional laws and religious teachings. It had a significant impact on Western civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement during the 18th century in Europe that emphasized reason, science, and rational thought over superstition and blind faith. It was a period of optimism and the belief that human beings and society could improve through the use of reason and knowledge.
Enlightenment thinkers advocated for ideals such as liberty, progress, tolerance, constitutional government, and separation of church and state. They rejected traditional laws, political systems, and religious teachings, and instead focused on critical thinking and questioning accepted knowledge. The Enlightenment had a profound impact on Western civilization and laid the foundation for political democratization and economic development.
Key figures of the Enlightenment include John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Voltaire, who spread new ideas about openness, investigation, and religious tolerance through their writings and discussions.