felvilágítás

Felvilágosítás is the Hungarian term for the Enlightenment, a European intellectual and cultural movement of the 17th and 18th centuries. This era emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority, including religious dogma and absolute monarchy. Thinkers during the Felvilágosítás championed scientific inquiry, the pursuit of knowledge, and the idea that human society could be improved through rational thought and discourse.

Key figures associated with the Felvilágosítás in Hungary include writers, philosophers, and scientists who sought to modernize Hungarian society. They advocated for reforms in education, law, and administration, aiming to foster a more enlightened and just populace. The movement's influence can be seen in the development of Hungarian literature, the establishment of educational institutions, and the growing demand for political and social change.

The ideals of the Felvilágosítás had a profound and lasting impact on Hungary, contributing to the emergence of national consciousness and laying the groundwork for future reform movements. It encouraged critical thinking and the questioning of established norms, fostering a spirit of progress and a belief in the potential for human betterment.