Answer :
Final answer:
The Enlightenment influenced European intellectual development by promoting reason, individual rights, and religious freedom. It led to the questioning of traditional laws and political systems, and influenced the development of modern democracies and the concept of separation of powers.
Explanation:
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a period of intellectual exchange in Europe from 1648 to 1815. It was influenced by the Scientific Revolution, the ideas of the Italian Renaissance, and the ancient scientific foundations of Muslim, Greek, and Indian cultures. The Enlightenment emphasized the use of reason and led to an increased focus on individual rights, liberty, and the questioning of traditional laws and political systems.
One example of how Enlightenment thought influenced European intellectual development is the concept of separation of powers. French philosopher Montesquieu argued for a system of government divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This idea influenced the drafting of the United States Constitution and the development of modern democracies.
Another example is the idea of religious toleration. Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and John Locke advocated for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. These ideas challenged the religious authority of the time and laid the foundation for the modern understanding of religious freedom.