Deism is a philosophical belief that posits the existence of a supreme being or creator who does not intervene in the universe after its creation. Deists believe that this creator can be understood through reason and observation of the natural world, rather than through organized religion or sacred texts. They often reject the idea of miracles and divine revelations, emphasizing a rational approach to understanding existence.
Many Enlightenment thinkers, such as Thomas Jefferson and Voltaire, were influenced by Deism. They valued science and reason, believing that human beings could discover moral truths without relying on religious dogma. Deism encourages individuals to seek knowledge and develop their own understanding of the universe.