Which concept was emphasized during the Enlightenment period?

The Enlightenment period, which spanned approximately from the late 17th century to the 18th century, was characterized by the rise of reason, science, and individualism as the primary sources of authority and legitimacy. During this time, thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire emphasized concepts such as modern democracy and egalitarianism. They advocated for the idea that individuals have inherent rights and that governments should be based on the consent of the governed, leading to the development of democratic principles.

The Enlightenment's focus on reason also spurred movements towards equality and the questioning of traditional hierarchies, challenging the established norms of society that favored monarchies and rigid class structures. This shift set the stage for various democratic revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions, further entrenching the concepts of democracy and egalitarianism in Western political thought.

In contrast, the other choices reflect outdated or less progressive systems of governance and belief. Absolute monarchy and tribal governance are forms of political organization contrary to Enlightenment thinking, which championed the idea that governance should be representative and accountable to the people. Religious absolutism and dogmatism run counter to the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and empirical evidence over