The French Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot challenged established norms and promoted ideas about liberty, equality, and the importance of education. This period laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and influenced various revolutions, including the French Revolution. Central to the French Enlightenment was the belief in progress and the power of human reason to improve society. Philosophers advocated for scientific inquiry and secularism, arguing against the dominance of the Catholic Church and absolute monarchy. Their writings encouraged critical thinking and inspired movements for social and political reform across Europe.