The Enlightenment was an abstract movement in the 18th century which influenced the world of ideas. Groups of scientists, philosophers and thinkers came up with and discussed new ideas that were based on reason. The intellectual leaders of this movement considered themselves as courageous and noble, they viewed their purpose as leading the world towards progress and out of a long period of doubtful words. That of which they saw resulting from the ‘Dark Ages’. There are many influential and notable figures that were a part of the Enlightenment, but I believe that René Descartes (1596–1650), John Locke (1632-1704) and Cesare Bonesana-Beccaria (1738-1794), were the most important and influential figures during this time period. Rene
