The central theme of the Enlightenment era in Europe was the promotion of reason, individualism, and skepticism toward traditional authority. Enlightenment thinkers, or philosophes, advocated for scientific inquiry, rational thought, and critical examination of society, religion, and governance. Key figures like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau challenged existing norms, emphasizing natural rights, liberty, and the social contract. This movement significantly influenced political revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions, and laid the foundations for modern democratic principles and human rights, ultimately fostering a spirit of progress and reform in various aspects of society.