During which historical period did the Enlightenment occur?

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, primarily took place from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This was a transformative period in European history characterized by an emphasis on reason, science, and intellectual exchange. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant emerged, promoting ideas about democracy, empiricism, and individual rights that profoundly influenced political thought and the development of modern societies. The timeline highlights the significant developments in philosophy, science, and politics during these centuries, making this answer accurate.

The other periods mentioned either begin too early, such as the 15th to 17th centuries, which predates the Enlightenment, or extend beyond it, like the 19th to 21st centuries or the 18th to 20th centuries, which include eras that followed the Enlightenment and are not specifically defined by its core principles.