The Enlightenment philosophy primarily focused on reason, individualism, and skepticism of tradition, significantly influencing modern governance. Philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu advocated for the principles of liberty, equality, and the separation of powers, which shaped democratic ideals. The Enlightenment emphasized the importance of rational thought and empirical evidence over dogma, leading to the questioning of absolute monarchy and promoting ideas such as social contracts and human rights. This philosophical movement laid the intellectual groundwork for revolutions and the establishment of liberal democracies around the world.