Define the Age of Enlightenment and explain how it influenced and changed penal philosophy.

Answers should explain that the Age of Enlightenment was a philosophical movement during the 18th century that stressed rejection of traditional social, political and religious ideas while emphasizing rationalism. During this period, philosophers began to recognize and embrace the idea of humane treatment for offenders and to challenge traditional ideas underlying criminal law and punishment. Prior to this time, penal philosophy was geared toward punishment with no care for the dignity of the imprisoned person. Punishment could be extremely torturous and brutal, early prison conditions terribly inhumane. The Age of Enlightenment steered penal institutions toward more dignified, compassionate incarceration and treatment.