the ideas of englightment philosophers were based on

The ideas of Enlightenment philosophers were based on a combination of rationalism, empiricism, and a belief in progress. Here are some key principles that characterized the thinking of Enlightenment philosophers:

1. Reason: Enlightenment thinkers championed the use of reason as the primary means of understanding and interpreting the world. They believed that through rational thought and inquiry, individuals could discover natural laws governing society and human behavior.
2. Empiricism: Empiricism emphasized the importance of observation and empirical evidence. Enlightenment philosophers valued the scientific method and believed that knowledge should be derived from sensory experience and experimentation.
3. Individualism: Enlightenment thinkers stressed the value and importance of the individual. They advocated for individual rights, personal freedom, and autonomy. This emphasis on individualism contributed to the development of democratic and liberal ideas.
4. Secularism: Enlightenment thinkers often sought to separate religious and political authority. They promoted secularism, advocating for a society based on reason and tolerance rather than religious dogma.
5. Skepticism: Enlightenment thinkers were often skeptical of traditional authority, whether religious or political. They questioned established institutions, challenging them to justify their practices and beliefs.
6. Progress: Enlightenment philosophers were optimistic about the potential for human progress. They believed that through reason and knowledge, societies could improve and advance, leading to greater prosperity, liberty, and happiness.
7. Social Contract: Influenced by thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Enlightenment philosophers explored the concept of the social contract. They argued that individuals willingly give up some freedoms in exchange for social order and protection, forming the basis of government legitimacy.

Prominent Enlightenment thinkers include John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Immanuel Kant. Their ideas played a crucial role in shaping political, social, and cultural developments during the 17th and 18th centuries and had a lasting impact on subsequent movements, including the American and French Revolutions.