The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, is known for its emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights. This intellectual movement encouraged critical thinking and challenged traditional authority, particularly in politics and religion. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, promoted ideas of democracy, human rights, and separation of church and state. Their philosophies paved the way for significant political upheavals, including the American and French Revolutions. The Enlightenment’s legacy continues to shape modern democratic ideals and philosophies concerning liberty and equality.