Enlightenment thinking, also known as the Age of Enlightenment, emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. It emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Philosophers like John Locke and Voltaire advocated for the use of reason to challenge established norms and promote human rights, scientific inquiry, and democratic governance. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for modern political and social thought. It encouraged the belief that human beings could improve their lives through education and rational thought. The ideas of the Enlightenment influenced significant events, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, shaping contemporary democratic societies.