What did the Enlightenment emphasize as the basis for knowledge and understanding?

The Enlightenment emphasized reason and empirical evidence as the foundation for knowledge and understanding. This intellectual movement, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, championed the idea that human beings could arrive at truths about the world through rational thought and systematic observation, rather than relying solely on tradition, religious faith, or superstition.

Philosophers and thinkers of the Enlightenment, such as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Voltaire, argued for the application of scientific methods to human affairs, believing that reason could lead to progress and improvement in society. This focus on rationality paved the way for advancements in various fields, including science, politics, and economics.

During this period, individuals began to challenge established norms and authorities, including the Church and monarchies, advocating instead that knowledge should be derived from individual thought, experimentation, and observable phenomena. Thus, choice B accurately represents the core principles of Enlightenment thought, as it aligns with the movement's emphasis on reason and empirical evidence as pathways to understanding the world.