The Enlightenment or Age of Reason was the predominant philosophical movement in the 18th century. Enlightenment philosophers based their ideas in reason as the main source of power. They were very skeptical of the power of the Catholic Church and monarchies as they believed that science and reason were essential to empower people. The most famous Enlightenment philosophers were Kant, Adam Smith, and Voltaire. The main ideas spread during this period were freedom, tolerance and learning.
The Enlightenment Era started after the Dark Middle Ages and preceded the Romantic Period.