The philosophes (French for philosophers) were the intellectuals of the 18th century Enlightenment.[1] Few were primarily philosophers; rather they were public intellectuals who applied reason to the study of many areas of learning, including philosophy, history, science, politics, economics and social issues. They had a critical eye and looked for weaknesses and failures that needed improvement. They promoted a "republic of letters" that crossed national boundaries and allowed intellectuals to freely exchange books and ideas.
One of them was Immanuel Kant who said sapere aude, dare to know—have the courage to think for yourself
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