Voltaire: A Summary
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This document summarizes the life and ideas of Voltaire, a renowned writer, historian, and philosopher. He championed civil liberties, social reform, freedom of speech, and free economy, advocating for enlightened despotism in political matters. Voltaire, using reason, questioned faith and focused on God's existence as a matter of reason, not faith. The document emphasizes his views on religion as a social phenomenon with specific social functions.
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Voltaire Pseudonym François-Marie Arouet (1694 –1778) In a Nutshell Voltaire was a Writer, Historian & Philosopher Outspoken supporter of: Civil liberties Social reform Freedom of speech and religion Free economy Voltaire...
Voltaire Pseudonym François-Marie Arouet (1694 –1778) In a Nutshell Voltaire was a Writer, Historian & Philosopher Outspoken supporter of: Civil liberties Social reform Freedom of speech and religion Free economy Voltaire & Religions Belief in God comes from Reason His famous quote: If God did not exist It is necessary to invent Him His Question: What is faith? His Answer: Faith is NOT to believe in something which is VISIBLE His argument: “It is evident to my mind that there exists a necessary, Eternal, & intelligent being: GOD Even when He is NOT visible” His Conclusion: This is not a matter of FAITH This is a matter of REASON Religion recognizes God But is NOT revealed by Him Religion is a: Social phenomenon Social organizer Answers special social needs VOLTAIRE & Politics Voltaire was an advocate of ENLIGHTENED DESPOTISM Success is related to application of principles of Enlightenment Person in office more important than type of government Since not all people are enlightened Enlightened few are the ONLY ones equipped to govern He did NOT believe in democracy i.e. rule of majority That is all we need to know about Voltaire for this course Thank you
