Enlightenment values

The Age of Enlightenment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Enlightenment values

Many values were common to enlightenment thinkers, including:

* The belief that the nation exists to protect the rights of the individual, instead of the other way around.
* The belief that each individual should be afforded dignity, and should be allowed to live one's life with the maximum amount of personal freedom.
* The belief that democracy is the best form of government.
* The belief in the equality of all humanity, all races, ethnicities, nationalities and religions.
* The belief that, in regards to the physical world in which we live, the scientific method is our only ally in helping us discern fact from fiction; further, the belief that science, properly used, is a positive force for the good of all humanity.
* The belief that all people have a right to free speech and expression, the right to free association, the right to hold to any - or no - religion; the right to elect their own leaders.
* The belief that religious dogma and mystical experiences are inferior to logic and philosophy, and that much classical religious dogma has been harmful to much of humanity."