Felvilágosító

Felvilágosító is a Hungarian term that translates to "Enlightenment" in English. It refers to a historical and intellectual movement that swept across Europe and its colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. The core tenets of the Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority, particularly religious and monarchical power. Thinkers of this era sought to reform society and advance knowledge through the application of scientific methods and critical thinking.

Key figures associated with the Enlightenment, both in Europe and within the Hungarian context, championed ideas of human rights, liberty, and the separation of powers. They believed in progress and the perfectibility of humankind, advocating for education and the dissemination of knowledge as essential tools for societal improvement. This intellectual climate profoundly influenced political revolutions, legal reforms, and the development of modern democratic thought.

In Hungary, the Enlightenment period, often referred to as the "Reform Age" (Reformkor), saw significant efforts to modernize the country's administration, legal system, and educational institutions. Hungarian intellectuals engaged with Enlightenment ideals, adapting them to their specific national context and contributing to movements for national revival and greater autonomy within the Habsburg Empire. The legacy of the Enlightenment continues to shape contemporary discussions on governance, human rights, and the role of reason in public life.