The Enlightenment (; ; ; ) was an
eighteenth century movement in
European and
American philosophy — some classifications also include 17th century philosophy (usually called the
Age of Reason). The term can more narrowly refer to the intellectual movement of The Enlightenment, which advocated
reason as the primary basis of authority. Developed in
France,
Britain and
Germany, it influenced the whole of
Europe including
Russia and
Scandinavia. The era is marked politically by governmental consolidation, nation creation, greater rights for the common people, and a diminuation of the influence of authoritarian institutions such as the nobilities role and power.
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