Final answer:
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason, occurred during the 18th century and emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and intellectual interchange in opposition to the superstition and theocracy that characterized the prior era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The era known as the Enlightenment, also referred to as the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason, was a significant philosophical movement that fundamentally shaped European thought. It occurred during the 18th century, encompassing a period roughly from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. Enlightenment thinkers championed the use of reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy, questioning traditional doctrines and endorsing concepts such as liberty, progress, and scientific method. This period encouraged challenging existing knowledge, promoting religious tolerance, and it fostered advancements in various fields, including science, politics, and philosophy. The impact of the Enlightenment was profound, setting the stage for the major political revolutions that followed, such as the American and French revolutions.