Which of the following beliefs is most characteristic of the enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries?

a. the authority of the church is higher than that of the king. b. people are inherently good and need little governance. c. people are better off working independently of one another. d. humanity can be improved through rational change.

C.People are better off working independently of one another.

Explanation:

The Enlightenment was a cultural and intellectual movement, primarily European, that was born in the mid-eighteenth century and lasted until the early years of the nineteenth century. He was especially active in France, England and Germany. It inspired profound cultural and social changes, and one of the most dramatic was the French Revolution. It was named in this way for its stated purpose of dispelling the darkness of the ignorance of humanity through the lights of knowledge and reason. The eighteenth century is known, for this reason, as the Century of Lights and the establishment of faith in progress.

The thinkers of the Enlightenment argued that human knowledge could combat ignorance, superstition and tyranny to build a better world. The Enlightenment had a great influence on scientific, economic, political and social aspects of the time. This type of thinking was expanded in the bourgeoisie and in a part of the aristocracy, through new means of publication and dissemination, as well as meetings, held at the home of wealthy people or aristocrats, in which intellectuals and politicians participated in order to expose and debate about science, philosophy, politics or literature.

to extend a country’s power and influence