Which era is characterized by an emphasis on reason and individualism?

The era characterized by an emphasis on reason and individualism is the Enlightenment. This intellectual movement emerged in the late 17th century and reached its height in the 18th century. Thinkers of the Enlightenment, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, championed the use of reason as a primary source of authority and legitimacy. They believed in the potential of individuals to think for themselves and make reasoned choices, which laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and the recognition of human rights.

During the Enlightenment, there was a notable shift away from traditional sources of power, such as monarchy and religious authority, towards the belief that individuals could govern themselves. This emphasis on individualism also sparked discussions about personal freedoms, the nature of society, and the importance of education and knowledge. The ideas cultivated during the Enlightenment were instrumental in influencing revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions, and continue to inform contemporary values around democracy and human rights.

The Renaissance, while it did promote humanism and a revival of classical learning, didn't focus specifically on reason and individualism in the same structured way as the Enlightenment. The Industrial Revolution primarily dealt with technological and economic transformations rather than philosophical ideas.