Why was the Enlightenment era significant in terms of scientific and intellect

 Why was the Enlightenment era significant in terms of scientific and intellectual achievement and why? Which individual from this era contributed the most to these developments?  A primary source is required for this assignment that was written by this person.  
 300 to 400 words 
 Dupre, L. (2004). The enlightenment and the intellectual foundations of modern culture. Yale University Press. 
 Internet History Sourcebooks: Modern History (fordham.edu)