What is the term used to refer to the sixth century BCE in philosophical history?

The term that refers to the sixth century BCE in philosophical history is known as the Axis Age. This period is recognized for its significant cultural and philosophical developments across various regions, particularly in the areas of philosophy, religion, and ethics. Thinkers from this age include figures such as Confucius in China, the Buddha in India, and various philosophers in the Greek tradition, such as Socrates and Heraclitus.

The Axis Age is characterized by the emergence of new ways of thinking and understanding the world that transcended earlier tribal and mythological frameworks, leading to foundational ideas in both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions. This era represents a pivotal point where human thought began to explore moral and existential questions in depth, shaping much of the philosophical discourse that followed.

In contrast, the Classical Era is typically considered to extend beyond the sixth century BCE, encapsulating a broader time frame of later philosophical developments. The Enlightenment is a specific period in Western history, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, known for its emphasis on reason and individualism, which is much later than the Axis Age. The Iron Age refers to an archaeological era associated with the development of ironworking and does not pertain specifically to philosophical thought.