What impact did the Enlightenment have on European society?

The Enlightenment had a profound impact on European society primarily by promoting reason, science, and individual rights. This intellectual movement emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries and encouraged people to question traditional authority and seek knowledge through observation and experimentation. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau championed ideas about personal freedom, equality, and the fundamental rights of individuals, laying the groundwork for modern democracy.

The emphasis on reason led to advances in various fields, including politics, philosophy, and science. For instance, the scientific method gained prominence, which transformed how individuals viewed the natural world and human society. Enlightenment ideas also energized revolutions, notably in America and France, as they inspired people to seek government based on consent and justice rather than inherited power. As these ideals spread, they significantly influenced legislative changes and the development of civil rights.

This modernization of thought encouraged a shift away from purely traditional and religious explanations of life and governance, setting the stage for greater social, political, and technological advancements in Europe. The movement fundamentally altered the trajectory of European civilization, fostering an environment where innovation and rights were valued, leaving an enduring legacy in contemporary Western thought.