What did the enlightenment stem from?

The Enlightenment stemmed from the intellectual and cultural developments of the late 17th and 18th centuries, particularly the rise of reason, scientific inquiry, and skepticism of traditional authority. Influenced by the Scientific Revolution, thinkers began to emphasize rational thought, individual rights, and empirical evidence over superstition and dogma. This period also drew on classical philosophies, particularly those of Ancient Greece and Rome, and was marked by a belief in progress and the potential for human improvement. Ultimately, the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and values, influencing political revolutions and social reforms.