Summary

The Enlightenment, sometimes called the Age of Reason, sought to shine the “light” of reason on traditional ideas about government and society. Enlightenment thinkers promoted goals of material well-being, social justice, and worldly happiness. Their ideas about government and society stood in sharp contrast to the old principles of divine-right rule, a rigid social hierarchy, and the promise of a better life in heaven. Since the 1700s, Enlightenment ideas have spread, creating upheaval as they challenge established traditions around the world.