Voltaire

Definition

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit and advocacy of civil liberties, particularly freedom of religion and free speech. He is often remembered for his critiques of organized religion and the philosophical foundations of his belief in deism, which influenced the relationship between religion and literature during the Enlightenment. Voltaire's works often served to challenge established norms, making him a pivotal figure in shaping modern secular thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Voltaire was a prolific writer, producing plays, essays, and books that often criticized the church and government, emphasizing the importance of individual rights.
2. His famous phrase 'Écrasez l'infâme' translates to 'Crush the infamous thing,' which refers to his disdain for religious intolerance and dogma.
3. Voltaire's work had a significant impact on the American and French Revolutions, influencing ideas about democracy and the separation of church and state.
4. He was a strong advocate for civil liberties, often facing imprisonment and exile due to his outspoken criticism of authority.
5. Voltaire's legacy endures today as a symbol of enlightenment values, especially regarding freedom of thought and expression.

Review Questions

• How did Voltaire's critiques of organized religion contribute to the broader Enlightenment movement?
  • Voltaire's critiques of organized religion highlighted the conflict between reason and dogma, which was central to Enlightenment thought. His emphasis on individual liberty and skepticism toward religious authority encouraged people to question traditional beliefs. By advocating for freedom of expression and tolerance, Voltaire's ideas not only shaped public discourse during his time but also laid the groundwork for modern secularism and civil rights.
• In what ways did Voltaire's literary works reflect his philosophical beliefs about religion and society?
  • Voltaire's literary works, especially 'Candide', satirized optimism and critiqued the societal norms that upheld religious dogma. His writing employed humor and irony to reveal the absurdities he perceived in both religious practices and philosophical optimism. By using literature as a means to challenge established institutions, Voltaire effectively illustrated how literature can provoke critical thought about religion and inspire societal change.
• Evaluate Voltaire's impact on the relationship between religion and literature during the Enlightenment and its significance in contemporary society.
  • Voltaire's impact on the relationship between religion and literature during the Enlightenment was profound, as he encouraged writers to engage with political and religious issues critically. His advocacy for rationalism over superstition set a precedent for future literary movements that questioned authority. In contemporary society, Voltaire's influence persists in ongoing debates about freedom of expression, the role of religion in public life, and the necessity of questioning established truths, making his work relevant even today.

Related terms

Deism: A philosophical belief in a rational God who created the universe but does not intervene in human affairs, contrasting with traditional religious views of an active deity.

Candide: A satirical novella written by Voltaire that critiques optimism and societal norms, reflecting Enlightenment themes of reason and skepticism toward religious institutions.

Philosophes: A group of intellectuals in the 18th century who advocated for reason, science, and intellectual interchange, significantly influencing Enlightenment thought and literature.