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Enlightenment-era thinking

Definition

Enlightenment-era thinking refers to intellectual movement during the late 17th to early 19th century emphasizing reason, individualism, skepticism about tradition & religion. It greatly influenced political thought leading up to many revolutions including American Revolution.

Analogy

Imagine Enlightenment-era thinking as your smartphone's GPS system. Before it existed you might have followed traditional routes or paths based on what others told you. But with GPS (Enlightenment thinking), you can find new ways based on logic and reasoning rather than just following tradition blindly.

Related terms

John Locke: An influential Enlightenment thinker known for his works on "life, liberty & property" influencing US Declaration of Independence.

Voltaire: A French philosopher who championed freedom of speech & religion influencing First Amendment rights in US Constitution.

Scientific Revolution: A period when views about science changed due to use of systematic observation & experimentation - this approach influenced Enlightenment thinkers.