The philosophy of rationalism emphasized the role of reason as the primary source of knowledge during the Age of Enlightenment. Rationalists believed that human beings could understand the world through logical thought and reasoning, rather than solely through sensory experience or religious belief. This philosophical shift encouraged advancements in science, politics, and ethics, fostering ideas about individual rights and the social contract. Influential figures like Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz promoted rationalist ideas, laying the groundwork for modern philosophy and democratic thought.