Sir Isaac Newton developed the laws of motion during the Enlightenment, fundamentally changing our understanding of the physical world. His work, particularly the "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica" published in 1687, introduced laws such as universal gravitation and the three laws of motion. This laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and greatly advanced scientific thought, influencing not only physics but also other disciplines like astronomy and engineering. Newton's principles became crucial for subsequent thinkers, establishing a scientific methodology that emphasized observation and mathematical reasoning, thus redefining humanity's relationship with nature and fostering a spirit of inquiry during the Enlightenment.