What was the 18th-century movement led by French intellectuals that emphasized reason as the universal source of knowledge and truth?

The 18th-century movement known as the Enlightenment was characterized by its emphasis on reason, rationality, and the idea that human beings could apply critical thought to all areas of life, including philosophy, science, and government. Intellectuals of this era believed that through reason, individuals could achieve a greater understanding of the world around them and uncover universal truths. Thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant played vital roles in promoting the idea that human progress could be shaped by intellectual developments and the pursuit of knowledge rather than blind tradition or superstition.

In contrast, Romanticism, which emerged later, focused on emotion and individualism as responses to the Enlightenment's rationalism. The Renaissance preceded the Enlightenment and was a revival of classical art and learning, while Modernism, which developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sought to break with traditional forms and experiment with new ideas in art and literature. Understanding the unique characteristics and historical contexts of these movements clarifies why the Enlightenment specifically stands out for its advocacy of reason as the foundation for knowledge and truth.