Diderot
Denis Diderot (1713 – 1768)
The Profane Trio:
Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau (as remarked by Will Durant)
A
person with extensive knowledge, Diderot could write on any topic at short
notice. He studied Mathematics, Latin, Greek and English. Had the habit of visiting
shops, farms and factories to study new processes and products. Developed an
admiration towards the skills of artisans and the genius of inventors. He was
familiar with French economy, which was nurtured through his association with
people from different walks of life.
Works:
Pensees Philosophiques: known for its
attempt to reconcile reason with emotion (Passion
alone can lift the soul to sublime heights). Bears traces of Diderot’s
association with Rousseau. Origins of incipient romanticism is seen in the
work. It also shows his scorn for revealed truth, critical attitude towards the
church and enthusiasm for the advancement of science.
Encyclopedie:
Started in response to the request of Le
Breton (publisher) to bring out a French translation of Ephraim Chambers’
Encyclopaedia. Jean Le Rond d’Alembert was his co-editor. This became a means
for radical, revolutionary propaganda. Writers, scientists and even priests
with a passion for spreading the ideas of the Enlightenment were contributors
to this- Montesquieu, Voltaire and
Rousseau are some of them. Beyond facts and definitions, the work included
space for philosophes to discuss their thoughts on various topics.
NOTE: Discourse Priliminaire: The Preliminary
Discourse was written by Jean Le Rond d'Alembert to describe the structure
of the articles included in the Encyclopédie and their philosophy, as
well as to give the reader a strong background in the history behind the works
of the learned men who contributed to what became the most profound circulation
of the knowledge of the time.
La Religieuse: A
novel; title translated as “The Nun”. Brings out the value accorded to
feelings, instinct and imagination. The heroine Suzanne is a nun who recounts
her experiences after escaping from a convent which she had entered against her
wishes.
Diderot, a man of talent, a man of
sensibility (see text: p 20, 21.)
Impact upon the period: Reconciles
reason with emotion. Carried and spread the spirit of learning. Provided a
platform for spread of revolutionary ideas through the Encyclopedie.
Prepared by Jacob Eapen Kunnath
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