The Enlightenment, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, was rooted in several key factors, including the rise of empiricism and scientific inquiry, which fostered a belief in reason and the potential for human progress. The Scientific Revolution had established a new approach to understanding the world, emphasizing observation and experimentation, which philosophers adapted to social and political thought. Additionally, the questioning of traditional authority, particularly that of the Church and monarchy, encouraged individuals to seek knowledge and value rationality over dogma. The spread of printed materials, such as pamphlets and books, also facilitated the exchange of Enlightenment ideas across Europe, further advancing the movement. Ultimately, the Enlightenment laid the intellectual groundwork for modern democratic principles and human rights.
We know enlightenment in an important period in European history. What do you think provided the basis for this philosophical and intellectual movement? Please give the answer in four to five sentences.
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