Q1. Explain the meaning and concept of Enlightenment.
- The Enlightenment was an 18th-century intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism.
- It championed human reason (ratio) as the primary tool for understanding and progress.
- Individualism and natural rights (life, liberty, property) were central concepts, challenging old authorities.
- Belief in societal and human progress through scientific inquiry and rational governance was key.
Answer: The Enlightenment, often referred to as the 'Age of Reason,' was a profound intellectual and cultural movement predominantly spanning the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. It marked a significant shift in thought, emphasizing reason, individualism, and scientific inquiry over tradition, superstition, and established authority. It sought to illuminate the path to human progress and emancipation. At its core, the Enlightenment advocated for the supremacy of human reason (ratio) as the primary to...