"Просвещения" (Enlightenment) refers to a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, science, and individual rights, challenging traditional authority and promoting ideas of liberty, progress, and equality. Key figures included philosophers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who influenced political thought and social reforms. In Russia, the Enlightenment played a significant role in shaping modern ideas and governance. Empress Catherine the Great was a notable proponent, promoting education and legal reforms. The movement laid the groundwork for future developments in Russian society, including the push for modernization and the questioning of autocratic rule.