The Modern State, whether absolutist or constitutional, relied on modern science to achieve its goals. Social Contract Theory, epitomized by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, provided rational and humanist justification for the use of power by the state. Modern science, already rational, became more humanist, increasingly embracing the use of technology to better human lives. Science also increasingly came under the control of the state, although some science promoters resisted. The Enlightenment, with its rational and humanistic focus, seemed to embrace the growing role of the state, but only when the state was reformed in significant ways to achieve progress for humans and natural rights. Why did the Enlightenment come to embody the concept of reform of the modern state?

Because the Enlightenment believed that concepts related to the reform of the modern state would promote more economic and political freedom to citizens.

Explanation:

Modern state is the term used to describe the union of European feuds, which were finalized at the end of feudalism. Modern states had a more abtangent political structure that benefits citizens, but this structure was still exploratory, mainly because of the people's duties towards the monarchy. It was necessary for modern states to undergo economic, political and social reform, so that citizens could actually have economic and political freedom. This kind of freedom was strongly advocated by the Enlightenment, who believed that they could contribute to the management of modern states if those states underwent this reform and people could, in fact, live fully.