Which historical period significantly promoted rational humanism?

The Enlightenment period is recognized for its significant promotion of rational humanism, characterized by an emphasis on reason, individual autonomy, and scientific inquiry. This era, spanning from the late 17th to the 18th century, encouraged thinkers to challenge traditional beliefs and doctrines, advocating for the use of reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy. Philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant explored ideas about human agency, equality, and the rights of individuals, all central tenets of humanism.

During the Enlightenment, the notion of human beings as rational agents capable of improving their own circumstances and society became prominent. This philosophy rejected the idea that authority should solely rely on established religious or monarchic traditions, fostering an environment that valued education, critical thinking, and secularism, which greatly contributed to the development of modern democratic and scientific principles.

In contrast, the Industrial Revolution, while significant in its own right, primarily focused on economic and technological changes rather than philosophical advancements. The Dark Ages and the Middle Ages are periods often associated with a lack of scientific progress and a strong reliance on religious authority, which do not align with the principles of rational humanism promoted during the Enlightenment.