What approach did Enlightenment thinkers take towards traditional authority?

Enlightenment thinkers were known for their critical approach to traditional authority, particularly in relation to monarchy and religious orthodoxy. They believed in using reason and rational thought to challenge established norms and ideas that were often accepted without scrutiny. This era emphasized individualism and inquiry, leading many Enlightenment philosophers to argue against the divine right of kings and the unquestioned power of religious institutions.

Prominent figures such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau advocated for the application of reason to all aspects of life, including government and religion, promoting ideas about personal liberty, social contracts, and separation of church and state. This critical questioning was a significant shift from the previously unchallenged beliefs that dominated society, marking the Enlightenment as a transformative period in European thought. The result was a foundation for modern democratic principles and a movement towards secular governance.