The primary outcome of the Enlightenment period, which spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, was the promotion of reason, science, and individualism as the primary sources of authority and legitimacy. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant challenged traditional doctrines and monarchies, advocating for fundamental human rights, equality, and the separation of church and state. This period fostered democratic ideals, given rise to revolutionary movements, and laid the groundwork for modern political and philosophical thought. The Enlightenment's principles continue to influence contemporary values and institutions worldwide, emphasizing rational discussion and the pursuit of knowledge.