Intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems

Intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems

• A. individualism
• B. Enlightenment
• C. Intellectualism
• D. Salons

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is a historical movement that put reason, rational thought, and the belief in individuals' ability to solve problems at the center of knowledge and progress. This describes the Enlightenment, a late 17th to 18th century intellectual movement that promoted scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and the idea that humans can improve society through use of reason. Thinkers of this era argued that through inquiry and evidence, people could understand and reform politics, religion, and education, paving the way for modern ideas about rights, governance, and science. Why this fits best: the Enlightenment specifically centers on reason and the faith in individuals’ capacity to reason through and address problems, rather than just focusing on a general value like independence or on social gatherings. Individualism is about personal autonomy and self-reliance, which can exist outside the movement. Intellectualism highlights valuing intellect but isn’t the historical movement itself. Salons were important venues that spread Enlightenment ideas, but they are not the movement; they’re part of the context.

The main idea being tested is a historical movement that put reason, rational thought, and the belief in individuals' ability to solve problems at the center of knowledge and progress. This describes the Enlightenment, a late 17th to 18th century intellectual movement that promoted scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and the idea that humans can improve society through use of reason. Thinkers of this era argued that through inquiry and evidence, people could understand and reform politics, religion, and education, paving the way for modern ideas about rights, governance, and science.

Why this fits best: the Enlightenment specifically centers on reason and the faith in individuals’ capacity to reason through and address problems, rather than just focusing on a general value like independence or on social gatherings. Individualism is about personal autonomy and self-reliance, which can exist outside the movement. Intellectualism highlights valuing intellect but isn’t the historical movement itself. Salons were important venues that spread Enlightenment ideas, but they are not the movement; they’re part of the context.