Emphasis on reason: Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of human reason to understand the world and improve society.
Individual liberty: They championed the rights of individuals to freedom of speech, religion, and expression, advocating for limited government interference in personal lives.
Separation of powers: Influenced by the philosophy of Montesquieu, enlightenment thinkers promoted the division of government into separate branches to prevent tyranny and ensure checks and balances.
