The document discusses the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers in 18th century Europe. It describes the Philosophes as intellectuals who applied reason to politics, economics, science, and social issues. It profiles several influential thinkers, including Thomas Locke who believed in natural rights, Voltaire who advocated for religious freedom and criticized the Catholic Church, Jean-Jacques Rousseau who felt the king was not properly representing citizens, and Baron de Montesquieu who proposed separating and balancing governmental powers.