The Philosophy Of Voltaire | The Pen That Defined An Age

Summary

This video explores the life and philosophy of Voltaire, the influential 18th-century French thinker and writer. Known for his sharp critique of superstition and organized religion, Voltaire championed reason, tolerance, and individual liberty. Through his writings, such as the *Philosophic Letters* and *Philosophical Dictionary*, he advocated for a scientific worldview and the application of critical thinking to all aspects of life. His collaboration with Emilie du Chatelet and contributions to the *Encyclopedia* helped ignite the Age of Enlightenment. Voltaire's legacy remains a cornerstone of modern philosophy, promoting freedom of thought and challenging the established norms of his time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Voltaire, born Francois-Marie Arouet, was a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment, known for his writing, philosophy, and advocacy for scientific thought.
• 😀 Despite facing financial struggles in early life, Voltaire gained financial freedom after winning a government lottery, allowing him to pursue his revolutionary ideas.
• 😀 Voltaire’s 'Philosophic Letters' (1734), which criticized French institutions and praised English thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton, led to his exile from Paris due to public outrage.
• 😀 Voltaire’s partnership with Emilie du Chatelet, both intellectual and romantic, resulted in the co-authorship of 'Elements of the Philosophy of Newton,' which aimed to make Newton’s ideas accessible to the general public.
• 😀 In 1756, Voltaire published 'An Essay on Universal History,' rejecting superstition and presenting a universal morality based on belief in a supreme being, rather than organized religion.
• 😀 Voltaire was a deist who believed in a god but opposed organized religion, criticizing it for perpetuating superstition, while advocating for religious tolerance.
• 😀 Voltaire’s famous quote 'Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities' reflects his opposition to religious violence and superstition.
• 😀 In his later years, Voltaire became involved in the Encyclopédie project, aiming to spread secular, reason-based knowledge and challenge the influence of the Catholic Church.
• 😀 Voltaire's 'Philosophical Dictionary' (1764) expanded on his critiques of superstition and tyranny, encouraging readers to engage in critical thought and examine societal issues.
• 😀 Voltaire’s impact went beyond philosophy, as he sought to use his writings, including satires, poems, and pamphlets, to provoke social and political change and challenge authority.
• 😀 Voltaire's revolutionary ideas on freedom of speech are encapsulated in his famous quote, 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'

Q & A

What was Voltaire's original name and his pen name?

Voltaire's original name was Francois-Marie Arouet. His pen name, Voltaire, was conceived and adopted during his imprisonment in the French Bastille.

How did Voltaire's financial situation change in 1734, and how did it affect his intellectual pursuits?

In 1734, Voltaire won a fortune in a lottery organized by the French government, which granted him financial freedom. This financial independence allowed him to pursue his intellectual work without being bound by the need for favor from the wealthy.

What was the central focus of Voltaire's 'Philosophic Letters,' and why did it cause controversy?

'Philosophic Letters,' originally titled 'Letters on England,' focused on praising English society and critiquing French institutions. The book caused public outrage due to its critical stance, leading to Voltaire fleeing Paris after many copies were burned by the authorities.

Who was Emilie du Chatelet, and what role did she play in Voltaire's life?

Emilie du Chatelet was a brilliant mathematician and philosopher who was Voltaire's lover and intellectual partner. They co-authored 'Elements of the Philosophy of Newton,' which aimed to make Newtonian science accessible to the French public.

What were Voltaire's views on religion, particularly regarding Christianity?

Voltaire was a deist, believing in a god but rejecting organized religion, particularly Christianity, due to its promotion of superstition and myth. He advocated for tolerance and critiqued the atrocities committed in the name of religion.

What was the 'war of cultures' in France, and how did it relate to Voltaire?

The 'war of cultures' in France was a cultural conflict surrounding the acceptance of Newtonian natural philosophy. Voltaire, along with others, sought to promote the Enlightenment ideals of reason and scientific thinking against the established religious and superstitious norms.

What was the significance of Voltaire's 'An Essay on Universal History, the Manners, and Spirit of Nations'?

Published in 1756, this work presented a history of Europe from before Charlemagne to the age of Louis XIV. It called for reason and criticized superstition, presenting a universal view of morality based on the recognition of a supreme being, not specific religious dogmas.

How did Voltaire contribute to the 'Encyclopedia,' and what was its purpose?

Voltaire contributed to the 'Encyclopedia' alongside Diderot and d'Alembert, aiming to change the way people thought by advocating for secularism and opposing the influence of the Jesuits. The Encyclopedia sought to promote knowledge and reason over superstition.

What was the impact of Voltaire's 'Philosophical Dictionary' published in 1764?

The 'Philosophical Dictionary' was a significant work that included critiques of religion, politics, and society. It republished several articles from the 'Encyclopedia' while also offering new reflections on various topics, encouraging personal reflection and challenging superstition.

How did Voltaire view the relationship between philosophy and social or political change?

Voltaire believed that philosophy should be measured by its ability to incite social and political change. He argued that all claims, including religious and political ones, should be subjected to critical reason, and he stressed the importance of challenging established authority.