Illuminism, also known as the Enlightenment, was an intellectual movement that spread across Europe during the 18th century. It emphasized reason, scientific progress, and individual rights, and sought to challenge traditional authority and superstition. Illuminism had a profound impact on politics, culture, and society; it inspired the American and French revolutions, and helped establish the foundations of modern democracy. Synonyms for Illuminism include the Age of Reason, the Age of Enlightenment, the Rationalist Movement, and the Scientific Revolution. These terms all refer to the same general trend towards rationalism, empiricism, and intellectual freedom that characterized the Enlightenment. Other related terms include the philosophes, who were the leading intellectuals of the movement, and the Enlightenment thinkers, who were the broader group of thinkers that shared their ideas and values.