The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an 18th century movement in Western philosophy. Some classifications also include 17th century philosophy, usually called the Age of Reason.

The term can more narrowly refer to the intellectual movement of The Enlightenment, which advocated reason as the primary basis of authority. Developed in France, Britain and Germany, it influenced the whole of Europe including Russia and Scandinavia. The era is marked politically by governmental consolidation, nation creation, greater rights for the common people, and a diminuation of the influence of authoritarian institutions such as the nobility and the Church.