enlightenment

1. (history) A 17th- and 18th-century European intellectual movement emphasizing rationalism. The period during which it flourished is called the Age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason.Examples: "1997, Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault, page 36 (Totem Books, Icon Books; →ISBN He first presented a complementary thesis on the Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), in which he used the term “archaeology” for the first time, and which indicated the period of history to which he was constantly to return. The Enlightenment: the intellectual, philosophical, cultural and scientific spirit of the 18th century. A belief in reason, progress, man’s “maturity” and a general rejection of tradition, religion and authority."Synonyms: Aufklärung