Famous Philosophers
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a period in the 17th and 18th centuries where reason and individualism were emphasized. Some key figures include:
- Voltaire - A champion of freedom of speech and critic of the Catholic Church.
- John Locke - Proponent of the idea of a "social contract" and influence on political liberalism.
- Immanuel Kant - Known for his work on epistemology and moral philosophy.
Key Inventions and Discoveries
This era saw significant advancement in science, mathematics, and technology. Here are a few notable inventions:
- The Steam Engine - Paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.
- The Lightning Rod - Invented by Benjamin Franklin, promoting safer buildings.
- Development of Calculus - Independently by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, advancing mathematics.