During the 18th century, the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment swept through Europe. Challenging traditional authority, it sought to expand human knowledge and progress society. Today, the Enlightenment remains controversial, as it is praised by some as the inspiration for our commitment to freedom and tolerance, while others consider it responsible for the evils of modernity.

In this concise introduction, John Robertson presents the history of the Enlightenment and its key ideas. Recognizing its significant intellectual achievements, Robertson examines the many ways in which Enlightenment thinkers consciously sought to promote the goal of human improvement, advancing better understanding of religion, good manners, economic improvement, and government's subordination to public opinion.