Which of the following best describes the relationship between science and the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by an emphasis on reason, individualism, and empirical evidence. During this period, science played a crucial role in shaping new ways of thinking about the world. The thinkers of the Enlightenment advocated for the application of scientific principles to understand the natural world and human society, which led to significant advancements in various fields, including physics, astronomy, biology, and social sciences.

The embrace of science during the Enlightenment can be seen in the works of influential philosophers and scientists such as Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Voltaire, who promoted rational thought and empirical research as the foundations for knowledge. This movement ultimately laid the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry and challenged traditional beliefs that relied on superstition or religious doctrine.

In contrast, alternative perspectives, like the idea that science was sidelined, suggest a misunderstanding of the Enlightenment's objectives. Additionally, the blending of science and religion or the notion that science only supported existing traditions does not accurately capture the transformative role that scientific inquiry had during this transformative era in history. Instead, the Enlightenment heralded a new age where science was recognized as essential for comprehending the complexities of the world and humanity itself.