During the Enlightenment era, significant developments included advancements in scientific thought and the promotion of philosophical ideas that valued reason over tradition. The scientific revolution, with figures like Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei, laid the groundwork for modern science, challenging the accepted views of the universe. Additionally, ideas about governance and human rights emerged, advocating for democratic principles and the separation of powers, as seen in the works of Montesquieu and Rousseau. The Enlightenment fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism, profoundly impacting various aspects of society, politics, and culture.