The period known as the Age of Enlightenment occurred primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. Philosophers and thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant challenged established norms and promoted ideas related to liberty, progress, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Enlightenment led to significant advancements in various fields, including politics, philosophy, and the sciences, and laid the groundwork for modern democratic governments and rights. Its ideas influenced revolutions, notably the French and American revolutions, shaping the world we know today.