The Enlightenment in Europe was heavily influenced by the philosophy of rationalism, exemplified by thinkers such as René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza. Rationalism emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, advocating that human beings could understand the world through rational thought rather than religious dogma or tradition. This philosophy fueled intellectual inquiries into governance, science, and ethics, paving the way for advancements in various disciplines. Enlightenment thinkers, including John Locke and Voltaire, promoted ideas about liberty, social contracts, and individual rights, which ultimately shaped modern democratic principles and spurred revolutions across Europe and the Americas.