What key concept was promoted during the Enlightenment period?

The Enlightenment period, which spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, was characterized by an emphasis on reason, logic, and empirical evidence as the primary sources of authority and knowledge. This era promoted rationality over tradition and superstition, encouraging individuals to think critically and independently. Secularism also gained prominence, as Enlightenment thinkers challenged the influence of religion on government and society. This shift laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and the questioning of monarchal authority.

The focus on reason and evidence-based thinking was instrumental in shaping various fields, including philosophy, science, and politics, and helped to foster important discussions around individual rights and social contracts. The promotion of these ideas significantly impacted various movements that aimed for societal reform and the establishment of rights based on rational thought rather than divine or hereditary right.

Other concepts listed, such as monarchal rule, ancient myths, and nationalism, do not encompass the defining features of the Enlightenment, as this period was primarily about advancing human reason and seeking a secular understanding of the world.