How did the Enlightenment challenge traditional authorities?

The Enlightenment significantly challenged traditional authorities by promoting science and individual rights. Intellectuals of this period, known as philosophes, emphasized reason, empiricism, and the importance of individual liberties. They questioned long-standing norms imposed by monarchies and religious institutions, advocating for a society built on rational thought rather than inherited privilege or dogma.

Key thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued for the rights of individuals, laying the groundwork for modern democracy and human rights. The emphasis on science fostered skepticism toward religious explanations of the world, leading to a gradual decline in the unquestioned power of the church and its teachings. This movement encouraged people to think independently, challenging the legitimacy of both autocratic rule and traditional societal structures.

The other choices, in contrast, do not align with the essence of the Enlightenment. Reinforcing monarchial rule contradicts the movement’s call for individual liberties and democratic governance. Adhering strictly to religious beliefs goes against the Enlightenment’s push for reason and secular thought. Finally, detaching from all forms of governance overlooks the Enlightenment's focus on reforming existing structures rather than complete disassociation from governance itself.