What did philosophers generally believe about society?

Philosophers generally believed that there was an inherent potential for progress within society, particularly during the Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of reason, scientific inquiry, and education as tools that could drive social and political reforms. They argued that through rational thought and a critical approach to traditional ideas, individuals and societies could improve their conditions and advance human knowledge and rights. This belief in societal progress was foundational in movements that sought to challenge outdated systems and promote ideals such as democracy, equality, and liberty.

In contrast, philosophies that focused on stagnation, control by the monarchy, or isolation from the world did not align with the predominant thought of the time, which championed active engagement with new ideas and a belief in the capacity for human improvement.