The core beliefs of the Enlightenment revolved around reason, individualism, and the questioning of traditional authority. Thinkers of this period emphasized human rationality, advocating for progress and the improvement of society through critical analysis. Key concepts included the importance of liberty, equality, and justice. The Enlightenment promoted secularism, challenging religious dogma and advocating for the separation of church and state. Additionally, it supported the idea that societal reform could occur through education and rational discourse. These beliefs significantly influenced political developments, including the American and French Revolutions, and laid the philosophical foundation for democratic governance and human rights, shaping modern Western thought.