Light

Enlightenment Philosophers

Definition

These were thinkers during the Enlightenment era (17th-18th century) who promoted ideas centered on reason, science, and individual rights as the primary sources of authority and legitimacy.

Analogy

Enlightenment philosophers are like software developers updating a computer system. They saw society's traditional beliefs (the old software) as outdated and full of bugs. So they used reason and science (new coding tools) to create an updated version of society that was more efficient and fair.

Related terms

Rationalism: The theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.

Social Contract Theory: A theory or model, originating during the Age of Enlightenment, that typically posits that individuals have consented, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Secularism: The principle of separation between government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries.